Honesty Is the Best Way to Live

If you ask around, many people might agree that it’s becoming increasingly difficult to find people that are living with integrity. The past few weeks, I was reminded of the many reasons why it’s so important to hold on to it. One instance involved an error in recognition at my job. The accolade came with a gift card and all kinds of praise. But the calculation was incorrect. I’d already been given that certificate several years ago. Now, many would have just accepted the applause and the gift card and kept moving. It was the holiday season and that could have been money well spent. But I didn’t feel comfortable letting matters settle. So, I cleared things up with the HR department and entered the holiday season with a clear conscience. 

One of the things that stood out to me in that experience is how uncomfortable I felt while thinking of what to do. There was never any question about giving it back. I didn’t feel comfortable because I knew it was wrong. Really, that’s the way our conscience should react when wrong presents itself to us. It’s like that scam blocker I mentioned last week. A red flag should instantly rise up and alert us that danger is imminent and a choice between right and wrong needs to be made. 

The issue that some people face is the absence of integrity. Selfish choices and deception become the louder voice in their lives. Rather than acknowledge any initial discomfort when faced with a moment of truth, it’s ignored. Sometimes in dark and resentful ways, like the original classic story of Pinocchio. Even this fictional character had a final moment of redemption, but this is an opportunity lost on many. With so many choosing the wrong thing, where are the ones that are choosing what is right? That’s what out stood out to me in my experience. I was uncomfortable with taking something that I was already given. Yet, many others would gladly have ran off with that money and called it a blessing.

Here is where we find ourselves face to face with our integrity. Isn’t it more of a blessing to be honest? What trouble could have awaited me if I wasn’t honest? Could someone responsible on the fiscal end have faced some trouble over the unaccounted for funds? I don’t know. Regardless, the urge to make a right choice rose to the surface and I did not ignore it. That is where we need to return to. Rather than ignoring or resenting our conscience, heed. Live a life where you are more determined to be truthful. It is a lot more freeing than having to remember all the lies.

Stay Sunny!

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