It seems our culture presents every opportunity to veer from the path. And no institution is exempt. The pressures to conform are nearly overwhelming in politics, business, education, even religion. As early as fourth grade, students feel the pressure to excel and, sadly, cheating is the direction some young students choose.
I am beginning to feel the pressure to conform to the “everyone does it” syndrome in my new vocation, and it scares and angers me. Since first pursuing the possibility of becoming a truck driver, I have wondered if one could be a successful driver and not cheat. I listened closely in school as instructors guided us through filling out the trucking log (a record of a driver’s rountine and hours at the wheel) to hear if they advocated cutting corners and stretching the truth in order to get the freight through on time. I quizzed experienced drivers on this matter and all assured me that it would be difficult, but remaining honest was an option. But that’s not what I am discovering in the real trucking world. To be completely honest—to be in full compliance with state and federal laws—something else often has to suffer. The only “product” trucking companies have to offer is service—on-time delivery of freight. Delivering freight on time and safely often means cutting corners and stretching the truth on one’s driving log.
It’s too soon to know whether I can remain honest and still deliver the goods on time. The early signs raise doubts. (Already, I have bent the truth to accomodate productivity. I am embarrassed and sorry.) It would so disappoint me to be forced out over integrity issues.
How do you do it? Have you ever been in a position which forced you to choose integrity at the expense of something you value? I’d like to know your story.
Gloria said
Just wanted you to know that I’m reading but not commenting! love you!
Steve Jr. said
Technically, Gloria, you’re commenting now…
Dad – good thoughts. I expressed some of these same sentiments this week. Funny how God shows father and son the same thing at the same time.
Kevin C said
That happened to me when I had a company car. EVERYONE cheated on mileage and it was a weekly struggle when I turned my mileage in. We were all young and right out of college so the temptation to fit it was difficult. If I did not fudge my #’s, then everyone else would have obviously been cheating. My job changed so the issue resolved itself but it’s really tough! It’s like that is just the way it is out there which makes it harder to do the right thing. Stay strong!
Uncle Bill said
Steve,
Integrity is the glue that holds everything together. Men and women have lost everything for truth. We all struggle everyday with small or large issues where we are called to be less than we could be. My prayer is for you to be more than you should be. God will be glorified by your efforts. Just speaking of these things….these struggles, allow all of us to search our hearts, contemplate WWJD, and then live free.
Wayne Holt said
Steve,
I was with a friend this week-end as we are both looking for retirement property. We stopped to eat at a Marina we were told was for sale. Interested, he asks the owner if he were interested in buying the marina, would the owner be willing to show him her books. We were told that the books would not show the true story as there was certain “cash business” that never saw the books. After we left we began to discuss her cash business, and my friend said something like “most everybody in business does off the books business to some extent.” So I asked him if it was just a normal thing, would he trust the marina owner? He said “of course not!” We agreed there are no shades of integrity…you either have it or you don’t. Of course, as with all of life, it’s easier to talk it than to live it. Keep holding up the torch…it’s dark out there.
Be safe!
Wayne
Jason Whaley said
Your confession is empowering to me to become more honest and integral. Thanks.
angie said
My favorite boss once told me that “character is what you do when nobody’s looking”.
In my last job I had the opportunity to log therapy times. It was so tempting to write down one hour even though only 45 minutes was spent with the client. We always said “well, it takes 15 minutes to write up the paperwork so that counts”. I feel for you. It was a major life struggle for me so I know what you’re going through.
Spent time with Lynn and Mitch tonight. We missed you and prayed for your safety out there.
Emogene said
Steve,
I struggle with this issue quite often because of peer pressure. Yes at my age. I was told, you do your work too fast and it makes us look bad. After I hurt my foot and still did my job well, I was told you are not really hurt. What I learned to do was to look at the end result. Would slowing down and making a little extra money be worth losing my soul? No… That was my answer. Bills are paid a little later, but God doesn’t let us go hungry and we always have a roof over our head. Keep your eyes on the prize. Eternal salvation. Know that you are always in our prayers and we love you very. much.
Kenneth Pulley said
Steve,
Thanks for your integrity about your struggles. As I read your letter concerning how hard you are finding it to maintain your integrity I was reminded of Shadrach, Meshack and Abednego. Our God can save us, but even if he does not we will not bow down to your idol.
I was a manager in the Fedex hub for 7 or 8 years and I found that I had an easier time displaying integrity in big situations. Maybe it was the fact that I knew that not fessing up would cost me my job, but I know it was mainly driven by integrity. Anyhow, I found that where I struggled the most was with the smaller things that no-one would know about. But it is funny how sweeping aside the little things ultimately amounts to a big pile of things that you would rather not discuss. And that big pile can turn into quite a skeleton that can come to life and jump out at you. Through the awakening of several skeletons, I learned to maintain integrity above all. In the end I found more forgiveness in trying to do right and failing than hiding what I was doing wrong.
All that to say that I feel and have felt your pain, and I know that God will provide.
KP
P.S.
Honk for the kids “especially in tunnels!”, I loved it, still love it and my kids do as well.
Nancy said
Funny that I find I am in the same position. I am very conscientious about my time card and accurately report my leave. Many others where I work don’t apply the same standard. It really disturbs me that I am the keeper of the time but many around me want to lie so I feel like I am lying by association. I have felt badly about this for as long as I have been at this job. I have complained to my boss about it and assured him that I will not be someone else’s conscience but the expectation is still the same – I am supposed to make the others accountable and I am not even their supervisor. I have recently begun to cry out to the Lord in prayer asking Him how best to handle it. I am waiting on the Lord….Do any of you have any suggestions or wisdom from the Lord?