True honesty takes into account the claims of God as well as those of man, it renders to God the things that are God’s as well as to man the things that are man’s- C. Simmons
Honesty is an attitude of accepting the reality as it is. It demands the acceptance of one’s own goodness as simultaneously God’s gift and one’s own responsibility. Honesty appreciates the value and ability of others. It accepts others for their own value and is willing to contribute to the growth and development of those with whom one lives.
Doing the right thing doesn’t come naturally to any of us. As America’s first President, George Washington said, “Few men have virtue enough to withstand the highest bidder”. Yet that is what we must do to develop the kind of character that will sustain us. Moliere commented “Men are alike in their promises. It is only in their deeds they differ. The difference in their deeds is simple: People of character do what is right regardless of the situation”. If you do the right thing and keep doing it even if it doesn’t help you move ahead with your talent in the short term, it will protect you and serve you in the long term. Character builds- and it builds you. Or as Dr. Dale Bronner, a board member of a non- profit organization EQUIP puts it,” Honesty is not something you do, honesty is who you are”.
Once a general manager wanted to test his people, about their values of life. He announced that in their seminar folder, there was a PVC pouch and in it a seed and that they need to plant it in a pot and look after it well. He would hold a competition at the next year’s seminar and the best plants would be awarded suitably. A year passed quickly. And next year in a big hall, a great scene! There were hundreds of pots and great variety of plants-all except one. In this one pot was soil but no plant! The owner of the pot was standing quietly and seemingly ashamed of himself.
The general manager called him on the stage. He asked him what happened and he told him the truth. He planted the seed, which he was given and did what was to be done- but nothing happened. The general manager declared him the winner! Everyone was shocked. “Gentlemen! The seeds I gave you were boiled seeds. You planted them and nothing happened! You acted smartly and used some other seeds. This man was honest to his work and therefore, he did not cheat me or himself”.
Sr. (Dr) Lilly Thokkanattu SJL
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