Having integrity. “Doing what you should do, even when no one is watching, and will never know if you did it or not.” It’s not something that is inexpensive and easily obtained for yourself – like a bottle of water. Indeed it is just the opposite, you have to concentrate and work hard at it.
Sure, it is tempting to do what seems immediately pleasing for yourself, but don’t doubt it; the alternative to personal integrity looks easy and rewarding, it bites you at the end. The low road certainly has short range rewards; Taking shortcuts to get to the top of the heap. Telling the little white lie that keeps you from being exposed. Cheating as you take that test. Fudging just wee little bit when you fill out those tax forms. Manipulating the truth about that irritating person at work, so that “somebody” looks bad to the boss, and it shore ain’t gonna be you.
It is way too easy to do. All you have to do is shift the absolute truth just a tad, and you’re there. Easy peasy. And the temptation is always there in your face. Because, face it, life gets hard and things get a whole lot easier when you simply ‘help things along just a little bit, ya know?’
But it also creates shame in your life. Making it difficult for you to face yourself when the memories surface to plague you in the dark, lonely hours of the night. When there is nothing to distract you from the truth – nothing disguises what you supposedly and hopefully did in secret.
Oh yeah, you didn’t get caught. But the problem is… the Bible says nothing will be held in secret forever. You will be found out – sooner or later. And may folks have mercy on you when they discover what you did.
Pulling a fast one without immediately paying the price is a little like burning a bag of popcorn. The longer you let it sit in the microwave and charcoal itself - the worse the taste, and the smell throughout the entire house when someone opens that door.
People dislike the unmistakable pungent aroma of burnt popcorn. And your habitual dishonesty on the job and in your relationships stinks just as badly to people. I promise, you keep burning the popcorn and those around you will vacate the room. Lost integrity has the same results. You will eventually find yourself all alone.
Always trying to do what is right is difficult, challenging, and a lifelong struggle. Forcing yourself to turn your back on an immediate cheap payout takes guts. Often it seems way too easy to just take the low road. But that is why you need to stop before you take that first step downward and remind yourself, “This IS gonna be found out – sooner or later. And there will be no do-overs. Do I want to pay the price?”
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