Integrity

The man of integrity walks securely, but he who takes crooked paths will be found out. (Proverbs 10:9)

It is that time of the year again, when our bosses ask each individual to draft up his list of "accomplishments" over the last 12 months, so as to help our bosses rate our performance, and in the process, decide our increment and bonuses.

By the grace of God, I have so far done well in the company under all my previous bosses. This year, however, I have a new boss, who may not know me too well or what I have done as he has only been on the job for about 8 months.

So the first temptation was for me to "spruce up" my list of accomplishments so as to ensure that I make the right impression. However, the danger in doing so is always that one tends to over-sell and claim more credit for projects and initiatives that are actually due, or give the impression that results are better than what they actually are. Part and parcel of marketing in the real world.

This may seem trivial, but it cannot be denied that if I were to give in to this temptation, I will be compromising my integrity. And how important is that in the sight of God? Very.

In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us. (Titus 2:7-8)

Need to remember that "the LORD does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart." (1Sam 16:7). Time to practise what I preach and have a clean conscience before God.

So I have completed my list and submitted to my boss. Nothing "impressive", but just a single page listing all that I have done over the year, in point form; facts that I can honestly stand before God with.

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Trivial? Maybe.....but I needed to be reminded that it is often the small things that reveal our true character.

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