Kindred,
Why do some people view diminished character as good?
At the close of life, what is the ultimate goal?
(No, you cannot live forever.)
What ultimate test do you hope to pass?
In order to pass the Lord's Judgement, you have to pass your tests of character in life.
If you fail your tests of character, where you are diminished in honor, diminished in integrity, diminished in bravery, diminished in empathy, diminished in love.....then you are diminished in hope to ever be able to enter the Kingdom of Heaven.
Why then do some people feed their sins, bad practices and abuses of power?
Failures in the defense against sins, bad practices and abuses of power only leads harm, diminished character and ultimately to damnation.
Are you sure you are eyeing the correct ultimate prize, salvation and not temptation of damnation?
Diminished character translates to diminished standing with the Lord and with humanity; and it also translates to diminished trust and betrayal of self, of humanity and of the Lord.