Some 30 years ago, while working in the corporate world, some business associates and I were passing through O’Hare Airport in Chicago, Illinois. One of these men had just sold his company for tens of millions of dollars—in other words, he was not poor.
As we were passing a newspaper vending machine, this individual put a quarter in the machine, opened the door to the stack of papers inside the machine, and began dispensing unpaid-for newspapers to each of us. When he handed me a newspaper, I put a quarter in the machine and, trying not to offend but to make a point, jokingly said, “Jim, for 25 cents I can maintain my integrity. A dollar, questionable, but 25 cents—no, not for 25 cents.” (Richard C. Edgley, “Three Towels and a 25-Cent Newspaper,” http://www.lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?hideNav=1&locale=0&sourceId=47b10d034ceae010VgnVCM100000176f620a&vgnextoid=2354fccf2b7db010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD, paragraphs 8-9)
How much is your integrity worth? 25 cents? Are you honest with others? Are you honest with yourself? Would you tell the truth, even if no one would know you're lying? Would you tell the truth, even when pressured to lie? Would your friends trust you with their keys? With their money? What can you do to become more honest?
After a recent shopping trip I realized there was an error on the receipt in my favor and I had paid $5 less than I should have. When I realized the error, I returned to the store to pay the $5 I still owed them. The employee was shocked that I was honest and returned to pay them. I could have gotten away with not paying the $5, but that would have been dishonest and I believe in being honest.
ReplyDeleteI know a man who worked in the medical field. His superiors told him to order expensive tests for patients so their company could bring in more money. He refused to lie to patients and tell them they needed tests run when they really didn't. He lost his job for his disobedience, but he gained much more in return from his integrity and honesty.
We should all strive to be honest. This world would be a much better place if more people would be honest.