What happened to honesty? - Eng & Spa

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What happened to honesty?

A couple of years ago I imparted several workshops on personal development, life vision, financial freedom, and values to the salespeople of a major construction company in Monterrey, Mexico. They were very fun and productive days too, however, in one of the last sessions of that month something curious happened. Today I would like to share it with you so that we can reflect on it together.

During that session I passed out 10 of my good quality German brand colored markers for the participants to write their names on their badges. During the four hours of that workshop, people were very participatory. When the time came to close the workshop - since the vendors had to return to their duties - I kindly asked them to pass the markers to the front, however only nine arrived. As people gathered their belongings and I collected mine, I reminded them a couple of times that I was missing the red marker. I suggested that perhaps it had fallen under a seat. I searched the conference room up and down but also my own bags - in case I had inadvertently put it away myself, but it never turned up. Well, to make a long story short, the marker never showed up and I went back to my office with a bitter taste in my mouth.

What happened to the marker? Was it easy for the person to succumb to the temptation or did he/she take it by accident? What do I know! What worries me is not the marker but what that fact potentially means. What will that person do one day if the opportunity arises to defraud a customer or his/her own company? Am I exaggerating? I don't know, but the words of Jesus come to mind when he said: The one who is faithful in a very little thing is also faithful in much, and the one who is unrighteous in a very little thing is also unrighteous in much. Luke 16:10, NASB

The cynics might say: “everyone does it” or “how much is a little bit?” To which I say that it is not about the amount but about the principle, the violation of trust, and the damage or inconvenience that is inflicted on someone. I know I shouldn't and can't generalize and I don't think that all the salespeople of that construction company are dishonest, but that day at least one was. Someone, consciously, with treachery and advantage, stole a measly marker.

I don't mean to be self-righteous, however, dishonesty has disastrous consequences, and many people suffer because of it. According to Milenio Corruption costed Mexico more than 12 billion pesos in 2019! Can you imagine the impact that dishonesty has on our families, neighborhoods, businesses, our jobs, and our public servants?

We cannot change anyone - we can only change ourselves. Many times telling and acting with the truth will cost us and it will be painful, but if we want to live in peace and prosperity then it is necessary to break the evil circle of corruption. I recommend starting with our personal habits. The student must stop cheating on exams, we must reject bribery, the businessman must stop cheating on billing, and salespeople must buy their own markers.

Is it utopian of me to think like this? It may be, however, I think we have no other way out unless we want to consume each other. I am convinced that before making demands on others (government officials, neighbors, relatives, colleagues, etc.) we must challenge ourselves. Living in the truth is healthy as living in the truth – albeit sometimes painful – will foster trust, security, productivity, and overall quality of life. We all are part of our society, and we all must pull together. Change does not start from above or with others but with oneself.


¿Qué pasó con la honestidad?

Hace un par de años impartí varios talleres de desarrollo personal, visión de vida, libertad financiera y valores a los vendedores de una importante constructora de Monterrey, México. Fueron días muy divertidos y productivos también, sin embargo en una de las últimas sesiones de ese mes sucedió algo curioso. Hoy quisiera compartirlo con ustedes para que juntos reflexionemos al respecto.

Durante esa sesión pasé 10 marcadores de colores de marca alemana, de buena calidad para que los participantes escribieran sus nombre en sus gafetes. Durante las cuatro horas de ese taller la gente estuvo muy participativa. Cuando llego el momento de darle cierre al taller - ya que los vendedores tenían que volver a sus labores - les pedí amablemente que pasaran los marcadores hacía el frente, sin embargo solo llegaron nueve. Mientras la gente recogía sus pertenencias y yo las mías, les recordé un par de veces que me faltaba el marcador rojo. Sugerí que quizá había caído debajo de un asiento. Yo revisé de pies a cabeza el salón de conferencias y también mi mochila - en caso de que yo mismo lo hubíera guardado sin darme cuenta. Bueno, para hacer la historia corta, el marcador nunca apareció y yo me fui a mi oficina con un amargo sabor de boca.

¿Qué sucedió con el marcador? ¿Se le hizo fácil a la persona sucumbir ante la tentación o se lo llevó sin querer queriendo? ¡Que sé yo! Lo que me preocupa no es el marcador sino lo que potencialmente ese hecho significa. ¿Qué hará esa persona si algún día se le presente la oportunidad de defraudar a un cliente o a su propia compañía? ¿Estoy exagerando? No lo sé, pero se me viene a la mente las palabras de Jesús cuando dijo: El que es fiel en lo muy poco, también en lo más es fiel; y el que en lo muy poco es injusto, también en lo más es injusto. Lucas 16:10, RVR 1960

Los cínicos dirán: “todo mundo lo hace” o “¿qué tanto es tantito?” A lo cual yo digo que no se trata de la cantidad sino del principio, de la violación de la confianza y de el daño o inconveniente que se le inflige a alguien. Sé que no debo ni puedo generalizar y pensar que todos los vendedores de dicha constructora son deshonestos, pero ese día por lo menos uno lo fue. Alguien, conscientemente, con alevosía y ventaja se robo un misero marcador.

No me doy baños de pureza, sin embargo la deshonestidad tiene consecuencias desastrosas y mucha gente sufre debido a ella. ¡Según Milenio la corrupción le costó a México más de 12 mil millones de pesos en el 2019! ¿Se pueden imaginar el impacto que la deshonestidad tiene en nuestras familias, barrios, negocios, nuestros trabajos y en nuestros servidores públicos?

No podemos cambiar a nadie - únicamente podemos cambiarnos a nosotros mismos. Muchas veces decir y actuar con la verdad nos costará y será doloroso, pero si queremos vivir en paz y prosperamente entonces es necesario romper el círculo maligno de la corrupción. Yo recomiendo comenzar con nuestros hábitos personales. El estudiante debe dejar de copiarse en los exámenes, debemos renunciar al cohecho, el hombre de negocios debe dejar de estafar en la facturación y vendedores deben comprar sus propios marcadores.

¿Es utópico de mi parte pensar así? Puede ser, sin embargo creo que no nos queda otra salida, a menos que queramos consumirnos mutuamente. Estoy convencido de que antes de exigir a los demás (gobernantes, vecinos, familiares, compañeros, etc.) hay que exigirnos a nosotros mismos. Vivir en la verdad es sano ya que vivir en la verdad – aunque en ocasiones doloroso – fomentará la confianza, la seguridad, productividad y la calidad de vida en general. La sociedad la componemos todos y todos juntos debemos tirar parejo. El cambio no comienza desde arriba o con los otros sino con uno mismo.



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Yeah, and the funny thing is that people don't realize how much respect you can lose if you're exposed. And that's because of a red marker for a couple of dollars... Although on the other hand, maybe such people have lost respect. Respect for themselves...
Good thoughts on the essentials, as always!
!PIZZA
!CTP
!ALIVE
!LUV

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Hi @stdd! Sorry, it has taken me a little longer than usual to write you back.

Yes, once people turn off their conscience there is nothing to do. On the contrary, unfortunately, you have to be careful of these people. They are not afraid to "stab you in the back" if they get the opportunity. Sadly!

Thank you for your comments!

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Oh my goodness. I'm just sitting here reading and nodding my head over and over.

I don't think its utopian at all. I am also one who believes in doing what is right - in all matters as we are equipped to do so. I'm not saying I'm perfect, and I'm not saying that I don't sin just like everyone else over the silliest things sometimes (or big things too) Which - some might say, ah well then you are a hypocrite.

Of course. Of course I am. lol

The only one who was NOT a hypocrite was Jesus Himself because He lived what He spoke in all manners. But I am a hypocrite that mourns over the wrong choices I make and strives (even in my hypocrisy! haha) to change, and be more like Christ daily.

And yes - faithful in little things, faithful in big things. This is a HUGE lesson that continues to challenge me all the time. It's one of my favorite verses! Because I want to be faithful in ALL things. Even when it comes to returning a red marker.

If we can sift out the small things - they enable us to be more courageous to sift out the larger things. When we draw the line, we can ask for the grace to hold that line too!

Fabulous post!

and if you're not going to drop this into DreemPort today - please let me know! so that I can drop it in for you! hahahahaha

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Hi Dreemie! I'm sorry that it took me a little longer than usual to get back to you! 😔 This last few days have been weird! But I'm back!

I don't think its utopian at all. I am also one who believes in doing what is right - in all matters as we are equipped to do so.

I know working towards that goal it's hard, but we can try, right! I think fighting that fight it's worth it. Even when non of us is "perfect" - we can at least try not to do harm...and then to do the right thing every day, right? 😊

The only one who was NOT a hypocrite was Jesus Himself because He lived what He spoke in all manners. But I am a hypocrite that mourns over the wrong choices I make and strives (even in my hypocrisy! haha) to change, and be more like Christ daily.

Yes, He is pure and perfect in every way. Our greatest example of integrity - among other things - is for us to follow.
I struggle in those areas, just like you, really! Let us encourage each other! Eph 4:13

If we can sift out the small things - they enable us to be more courageous to sift out the larger things. When we draw the line, we can ask for the grace to hold that line too!

I agree with you! Training our principles daily, and little by little, beginning in our childhood with small things will help us to cement them and be true to them even in our old age - without compromise. A difficult task, but a worthy one.

Thanks for your comment and encouraging words!

!LUV

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The cynics might say: “everyone does it” or “how much is a little bit?”

The first... That first time of showing dishonesty in a very mild case. That's how people get to build a pyramid of dishonesty in every aspect of their life. I believe that once people start showing dishonesty little by little, it's just a matter of time before it blows up and they lose themselves in a pool of disgusting dishonesty.

That Bible passage says it all.

Thanks for sharing this on DreemPort.

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Good morning, @kenechukwu97!

I believe that once people start showing dishonesty little by little, it's just a matter of time before it blows up and they lose themselves in a pool of disgusting dishonesty.

Yes, I agree! If people don't reconsider and amend their ways sooner or later their bad habits will get out of control and harm many people.

That Bible passage says it all.

Yes, there is not much that we can add to that, right? 😊

Thanks for your comment!

!PIZZA

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Me encantó esta reflexión. La honestidad está en horas bajas dentro de la sociedad actual. Es el resultado de que las consecuencias para los deshonestos sean nimias.

Comparto el pensamiento de que quien es deshonesto en lo pequeño también lo será en lo grande. Dejemos de señalar a los grandes defraudadores y procuremos ser limpios cada uno en nuestro día a día.

Gracias por estas lecciones de vida, es un placer leerte. 🤗

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¡Buenos días, @palomap3!

Disculpame por contestar hasta ahora. Los últimos días estuve algo distraído y atareado, pero ya estoy de regreso.

Me encantó esta reflexión. La honestidad está en horas bajas dentro de la sociedad actual. Es el resultado de que las consecuencias para los deshonestos sean nimias.

Estoy de acuerdo contigo. Creo que vivimos en un tiempo de cierta decadencia moral y ética en nuestras sociedades. En una manera general y filosófica de hablar - la gente no sabe distinguir entre su derecha e izquierda. Esto no solo es triste sino lamentable y peligroso para todos. Y como tú dices, la impunidad de la que gozan los "deshonestos" no ayuda en nada.

Comparto el pensamiento de que quien es deshonesto en lo pequeño también lo será en lo grande. Dejemos de señalar a los grandes defraudadores y procuremos ser limpios cada uno en nuestro día a día.

Creo que no debemos dejar de señalar como tal a los "defraudadores". Pienso que de no hacerlo correctamente ellos continuarán con sus fechorías. A la misma vez pienso también que tienes razón = si tenemos que comenzar con hacer lo correcto nosotros mismos. Simplemente porque es lo correcto, pero también porque no otorga cierta autoridad moral para señalar aquello que esta mal. ¡Todavía hay esperanza! 😊

Gracias por estas lecciones de vida, es un placer leerte. 🤗

¡Mil gracias por el elogio y tus palabras de animo!

!LUV

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Hard hitting reality. Yes, it’s so easy to be faithful on the surface, but a hypocrite by action. Food for thought. ❤️🤗💕🤗🤗❤️

I arrived here via DreemPort

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Good morning, @itsostylish! Sorry that it took me this long to answer! The last few days I've been a bit distracted and busy, but I'm back.

Hard hitting reality. Yes, it’s so easy to be faithful on the surface, but a hypocrite by action. Food for thought. ❤️🤗💕🤗🤗❤️

I agree with you. I believe that we live in a time of certain moral and ethical decadence in our societies. In a general and philosophical way of speaking - people can't or are not able to distinguish between their right hand and left one. This is not only sad but unfortunate and dangerous for everyone.

Thank you so much for the compliment and your words of encouragement!

!POB

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It is so sad to see that your last marker wasnt returned. Moral decadence is the order of the day now and many are already being influenced to do bad all the time. But despite that, we strive to be honest in all things

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Good morning, @adoore-eu! Sorry that it took me a little longer to answer! 😊

It is so sad to see that your last marker wasnt returned. Moral decadence is the order of the day now and many are already being influenced to do bad all the time.

Yes, sadly the moral and ethical state of our societies is not what it could be. It is difficult having to accept that we need to be more careful than ever from other people who potentially want to take advantage of us and maybe harm us.

But despite that, we strive to be honest in all things

I agree 100% with you! If each one of us tries to do the right thing - then hope is alive!

!PGM

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One could probably tie just about anything to Scriptures @acgalarza, but it stands that the word seems to be mostly concerning principles, period. It is written to do what is right in the eyes of the Lord. I personally think that the removal of the marker is trivial, and yes, it's about the principle of the thing. I generally attribute it to an accidental mindless thing, as giving them the benefit of the doubt. It is us who should know better.
This post was obtained through Dreemport.

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One could probably tie just about anything to Scriptures

Yes, it has always been done. Sadly

but it stands that the word seems to be mostly concerning principles, period.

Well, it depends on what you mean. The Scriptures contain different kinds of literature. History, Parables, Law, etc. In this case, the Principle of the Holy text is clear, whoever is not faithful with little won't be faithful with much.

I personally think that the removal of the marker is trivial, and yes, it's about the principle of the thing.

I agree. Me too. It is about the principle. It makes me wonder if the vendor will "cut corners" when he/she is selling a house to a naive customer, for example.

I generally attribute it to an accidental mindless thing, as giving them the benefit of the doubt.

I try to do so, but in this case, it was hard for me to do so. I remind the group a couple of times, but whoever took it didn't do the right thing. Also, I went back to impart more seminars a few days after the incident, but nobody came forward and say, "sorry, I took it by mistake". Yes, "accidental mindless things" happened, but on the other hand, more often than not there are simply people that do the wrong thing. Sad, but true.

It is us who should know better.

Absolutly!!! 👍

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This post would have been perfect for the rant post community. You are absolutely right with everything you shared. It's appalling how people find the need to be dishonest so appealing even over mundane things. Like I would always say, nobody would beat an adult for being honest so why lie? Honesty is a virtue one that is learnt from childhood with a conscious effort to maintain it during adulthood.

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Good morning, @zyzymena!

This post would have been perfect for the rant post community.

I'm pretty new in HIVE and I don't know that community. The name explains a lot, but what is that community about? Are you a member of that community?

You are absolutely right with everything you shared. It's appalling how people find the need to be dishonest so appealing even over mundane things.

It hurts to know that many people - given the opportunity - will take advantage of others! Sad! 😔

Honesty is a virtue one that is learnt from childhood with a conscious effort to maintain it during adulthood.

You are absolutely right! You just made me think about this Bible verse ⬇️

Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it. Proverbs 22:6

Thank you very much for commenting!

!LUV

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Yes I am a member of the rant community although I am yet to make any post there. Just as the name suggests, it's a place you can rant and talk about anything that bothers you. Not like you can't make them in other communities though.

I see you a Christian and I love how you make references to the Bible. It's really beautiful and the one you shared is just perfect. Upbringing affects a lot of things. It matters!

Thanks for the Luv you shared.

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I'll pay them a visit - sounds interesting!

Yes, I'm a Christian and I try to use Bible verses every now and then - when is appropriate to the subject. A lot of wisdom in that book.

In regard to the Luv - you're welcome! Have a great day!

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A lot of wisdom indeed lies in it. It's great chatting with you and rubbing minds on the above subject matter. Have a beautiful day.

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