Integrity
INTEGRITY is a personal trait that encompasses other character traits such as honesty, uprightness, and accuracy. A person with integrity is considered honorable because of his consistency in upholding the truth and moral principles. He stands on his ground and he does not waiver with what he believes as right and proper. He cannot be bribed and he does not change his position towards righteousness regardless of outside pressures.
The test of integrity commonly happens in situations where no one is looking at us. It is a challenge of whether we stay unsullied or not. The moment we overcome the challenge and remain pure as we used to be in any situation, place, and time, we are considered to be men and women of integrity. By this simple illustration, we begin to realize that there are less and less men and women of this kind especially in the realm of public service. If it is not so, corruption is not prevalent in this country because corrupt acts and practices are done stealthily and clandestinely. The actors appear to be righteous in the open but perverse behind sight. It is far distant from the context of integrity.
The value of integrity therefore is a must among public servants. It is the unwritten qualification required by law which is enforced, not only upon entry in the public service but also in the continuance of public function. One who holds public office should prove and exemplify this value as a guarantee for his/her security of tenure. Sad to say, some public officials and employees dare to perform illegal acts that give grounds for the removal of their permanent status. This should be completely suppressed. Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but he/she who makes his/ her ways crooked will be found out and serves the corresponding penalty. As the saying goes, it is even better for a poor individual who walks in integrity than a rich person who is crooked in his/her ways.
Looking into its very nature, integrity is easy to apply in dayto-day transactions if we believe that the eyes of our Creator are looking at us. While there are no onlookers in the natural, there is God who watched over us. When we have an audience of One, all the more that we should observe propriety and holiness. We should fear the Judge of all. The moment we do this, integrity becomes our character. We can live in integrity in constant basis, both before God and before men for we aim at what is honorable not only in the Lord’s sight but also in the sight of man. It’s just a matter of constant practice. It is thinking what is honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable, excellent, and praiseworthy.
Having known this simple way towards a life of integrity, we should take the challenge to possess it daily. The country’s progress largely lies in the hands of men and women of integrity with God’s help. Shall we say, “You can count me in?”