Integrity Matters
October 26, 2005
Integrity takes on a spiritual value
Question: (E-209)
Dear Jim:
Is integrity a politically-correct subject?
Response:
Not yet. But integrity, like religion, is a cumbersome
topic in certain social situations. Of interest to many,
integrity is like spiritual values in that it commands
consistent follow-through by a relative minority. But
those who live integrity-centered lives think seriously
about the behavioral consequences of their core values.
Core values are those beliefs considered non-negotiable,
which shape behavior and are unshakable. Integrity-centered
individuals formulate constructive principles to guide
their actions toward consistency and thus predictability.
Responding to the following 11 statements can help
clarify what you believe, pinpointing appropriate ways
for you to operate, personally and professionally:
- We have exploited the poor and called it the lottery.
- We have rewarded laziness and called it welfare.
- We have killed our unborn and called it choice.
- We have shot abortionists and called it justifiable.
- We have neglected to discipline our children and
called it building self-esteem.
- We have abused power and called it politics.
- We have coveted our neighbors' possessions and called
it ambition.
- We have polluted the air with profanity and pornography
and called it freedom of expression.
- We have ridiculed the time-honored values of the
courageous and wise, those who framed our binding institutions,
calling it enlightenment.
- We have overcompensated on behalf of the next generation,
to smooth their paths and make things easier for them,
then ask ourselves and others why they are weak, lack
self-confidence and come across as uncommitted.
- We support a society that builds people up only
to tear them down, losing along the way a culture that
encourages, teaches, nurtures, forgives and moves forward.
From the corridors of power to the powerful corridors
we walk every day, our words and our deeds are the glue
that holds society together or destroys it. Modeling
integrity is everyone's responsibility.
Our children and grandchildren are looking to us for constructive,
integrity-centered leadership, and never before have they
needed it more.
