ARE YOU A MAN OR WOMAN INTEGRITY?
Part 2.

We started this write up last week. We looked into three issues to be considered in order not to break the rules of integrity. We will continue today:

4. They Think Their Behavior Doesn’t Hurt Anyone
Research shows that people will go to great lengths to rationalize their lack of integrity and maintain their higher status. In the case of cheating for their children, parents morally disengaged because they wanted successful kids to reflect well on themselves. Their behavior hurt others because their children were placed ahead of those who worked hard to get good grades and didn’t have rich parents to buy their way into an Ivy League schools. People who lie, cheat, and bribe hurt everyone around them and they are either stupid or narcissistic if they don’t realize it.

Today’s world is so focused on individualism that it’s hard to find someone who focuses on ways to help others. People who put the best interests of others before their own have integrity. They don’t expect loads of praise or recognition for their actions.
Interestingly research shows that people are more likely to justify cheating if they can share the benefits with others. Elizabeth Holmes of Theranos is a great example of how a person will find reasons to justify why they cheat and misrepresent the facts—in her case, to change the world.

“There are no moral shortcuts in the game of business or life. There are, basically, three kinds of people, the unsuccessful, the temporarily successful, and those who become and remain successful. The difference is character.”—Jon Huntsman

Tips On How NOT To Be The Person Who Lacks Integrity: Make note of how many times you say (or think) something like “Others do the same thing,” or “I know people who do lots of worse things.” It’s an attempt to minimize the consequences of your actions or words..

5. Their Definition Of Honesty Is Fluid.
When someone lie to Congress, it’s a crime. When Congress lies to you, it’s politics. In much the same way, those who lack integrity have a fluid relationship with the truth. It becomes flexible and dependent upon the circumstances and when it benefits them.
If an FBI agent displays a lack of integrity, they are fired. Lack of candor will send an agent to the unemployment line faster than any other transgression. Internally, the FBI stands for Fidelity, Bravery, and Integrity.

The reason the FBI places so much emphasis on candor is that agents must have the guts and integrity to uphold federal laws. Unfortunately, the FBI’s reputation has been tarnished by a few renegade agents at the top who made decisions on what they considered to be right or wrong and who should become president or not. They did not act with integrity and have been fired or removed from the ranks.

Integrity means you need to tell the truth, even if it’s ugly. Once you start to delude others, you’ve also deluded yourself. People with integrity make promises, keep their word, and don’t change the truth to justify their behavior.

6. Do As I Say, Not As I do
Research shows there is a tremendous gap between our actual behavior and the way we see ourselves. We have a strong desire to maintain a positive moral self-image and will make excuses or find ways to justify our behavior. For example, we claim all the credit on a project, engage in a conflict of interest, and show favoritism—without an awareness of our behavior.

When people engage in “do as I say, not as I do” manner, expect others to resent the double standard. Cognitive dissonance occurs when an admired role model behaves in a manner that is distasteful to those around them. Even in what might be considered a small white lie, their lack of integrity signals hypocrisy and, in time, will damage their reputation.

In today’s world, leaders are distrusted until they’re proven trustworthy. The onus is on you to be vigilant about what you say and what you do. Others will watch and take their cues from your behavior. If there is a discrepancy between your words and your actions, you lack integrity.
(Culled from Psychology Today).

ONE OTHER THING:

True freedom and liberty come when you accept Jesus Christ as your Lord, Savior & Master. When you allow Him to rule and reign in your life & family. When you do not allow emotion and flesh to control your actions and decisions. Many Christians are in bondage of sin and ignorance and think it is freedom. No sir and ma. Every bondage you find yourself: ignorance, pride, sin, unforgiveness, bitterness, debt and not enough, God will set you free beginning from now in Jesus precious name. Happy Christmas and prosperous 2020.