THE PRICELESS VALUE OF INTEGRITY

Integrity, real integrity, has no competitors. This character quality puts its possessor leaps and bounds above the rest.   Its power to provide competitive advantage is immensely superior and very unique... Integrity is the Master’s key, and therefore the master key to success in life. The world in which we live has become highly challenging and aggressive. In order to survive amidst the social, economic, psychological and spiritual revolution, keys to securing a definite competitive advantage is absolutely necessary. This advantage is not achieved by merely obtaining certificates, awards, diplomas or degrees.  These are fine, but in themselves, they may count for relatively little, in terms of obtaining the required advantage, to make that significant impact.

One major key that is necessary to open the door to genuine success is that master key called integrity.  This, in many ways, is the most essential credential for the individual with high-achiever ambitions.  Integrity, real integrity, has no competitors.  This character quality puts its possessor leaps and bounds above the rest.    Its power to provide competitive advantage is immensely superior and very unique.    Integrity would generally earn respect, attract admiration and create impact. It’s a rare qualification which has to do more with the inside than the outside, of the human being.  It has to do with the quality of the heart and soul of the human being.  It’s character quality. Integrity, unfortunately, also has its enemies.  Integrity, for some who are strangers to this priceless virtue, is a sharp form of rebuke; a light that “ruthlessly” exposes dark secrets and hidden sins.   It brings to mind the line: “If the night should turn to day, a lot of people will run away.”

Personal integrity is sometimes said to be that quality  that’s exhibited when no one is around. One dictionary defines integrity as “the quality of being honest and always having high moral principles.”  It is rooted in the word integer, which gives the impression of whole or complete (as in a whole number). We can therefore conclude that integrity is that character trait that espouses proper moral principles such as honesty, uprightness, justice and fair play. It overrides pretension, and is a revealing indicator of one’s true nature. The wise man, King Solomon, advises, “The integrity of the upright shall guide them...” (Prov 11:3).  Those who are upright, in other words, shall be guided by the quality of their character — integrity.  The direction in which one’s life follows, and the choices or decisions made, shall be dictated by one’s integrity.

There is a virtual academic and technical boom all around us. The majority of applicants for employ-ment are either academically or technically qualified.  With this intense competition, human resource managers resort to pursuing the character reference route, in order to shortlist and select the most suitable candidates for the vacancies.  Despite the many academic credentials an individual possesses, if the character reference leaves something to be desired, the employer may well reject that candidate. To further ascertain character, some organisations have even introduced personality testing as a formal part of their recruitment process.  Many well educated persons have missed out on great opportunities simply because their disposition reflected a shortfall, in terms of moral principles.

In Trinidad and Tobago there is an Integrity Commission.  This body is set up to regulate and oversee the conduct of politicians and other individuals who hold public office.  Someone seemed to have understood the value of integrity in leadership!  People, who bear reigns of leadership, sometimes possess great power. And we are all familiar with the adage: “Power corrupts, and absolute power corrupts absolutely.” We in Trinidad and Tobago know all too well that the lack of integrity (real or perceived) can topple a government.  People want to know that those who represent them, at various levels, deal honestly and are not perverted by the power they assume.  Hence the constant demand for transparency. The bottom line is integrity!

Integrity puts you in a different class. It is the hallmark of quality character. It gives you a special kind of moral authority and power.  It does not include cheap short-cuts, or subterranean and clandestine behaviour.  Hidden agendas and motives are reflective of an integrity famine. Integrity deficiency is also evidenced by falsehood — lies, half truths, innuendoes etc. Integrity leaves a legacy.  It provides for posterity.  The Bible says, “A just man walks in his integrity and his children are blessed after him” (Prov 20:7). King David said, “Let integrity and uprightness preserve me” (Ps. 25:21). The only thing that can really preserve the institution of marriage is integrity.  Each person must consciously decide to remain faithful to the vows taken in the sight of God. Trust, fidelity and honesty are by-products of integrity. These cement the conjugal relationship.  When they are compromised, the union suffers terribly. Integrity is the Master’s key, and therefore the master key to success in life. Let integrity dictate your destiny!