The motorist and the policeman

I’ve heard a couple of people tell this story. It’s funny and I’d like to share it with you.

This traffic policeman has been known to be one of those sharks who persistently apprehend unwitting motorists trapped by the rigged traffic light along a busy intersection. He intimidates his victims so that he can squeeze some grease money from them. Now word began spreading in the Police force that this well known bandit has had a religious experience. At least that’s what he says and only a few would believe.

One day he caught another motorist violating traffic rules. He asks him to pull to the side and approached the car. The driver immediately pulled out his driver’s license and conveniently tucked behind the plastic document is a One hundred peso bill neatly folded.

The religious policeman says, “Hey. What’s this? Are you giving me a bribe?”

The motorist said, “Well I hope you will forgive me officer but I’m too much in a hurry. I hope you will accept the money and let me go.”

The policeman suddenly straightened his shoulders and said, “This is a bribe. I’m sorry I can’t accept bribes now. You see I have had a religious experience. I am a new person. I can’t accept a bribe now.”

The motorist looked at him for a long time, pulled out another One hundred Peso bill and handed it over to the policeman.

The policeman thought for a long while. And then he said. “Sir, I’m sorry I can’t accept bribes. But if you will put the money inside an envelope and write the words, “Love Offering” on it, then I can accept it.” So there goes his religious experience. 

By the way, in case you get me wrong. There are now many honest policemen who are doing their best to do what is right. They should demand our highest respect and support.

In case you think corruption is limited to the police force. Listen to this one:

The setting is now in a fine restaurant. This is a very important meeting between a well known businessman and a popular politician.

The important businessman said, “I’d like to give you a new car.”

The Politician replied “Oh, I can’t accept that; it would be unethical.”

The businessman thought for a moment then said, “OK, I’ll sell you the car for One thousand Pesos.”

Quickly, the Politician replied: “Fine! In that case, I’ll buy two!” 

Different people, different scenario but the same principle. The lack of integrity.

Why is integrity so hard to find. Perhaps it all starts with the basic ignorance of this word.

Some people say, “The problem with integrity is that it’s too abstract. It’s a pie in the sky thing, idealistic and too impractical.”

And thus this throws them off.

Integrity simply means that there is a strong adherence to a set of moral code and conducts. That there is a consistency in the person’s every aspect of being.

Whether he is in work or in the family, in church or in the company, he practices honesty and stands on what is right.

The employee persists in delivering excellent work and doesn’t shortchange his employer. The employer pays his workers correctly and gives them what is due.

The businessman delivers quality products and does not skimp on his materials.

He goes home and he is a good father. Similarly, he is a faithful husband. He serves in his community. And he bases his living on a set of unchanging truths that can be found in the Word of God. Everything else changes but God’s Word does not change. This is his basis for integrity.

If only the renewed policeman, the businessman and the politician in our story knows God Word and adheres to it in obedience and application. Then the whole country would be in a better shape.

Having a religious experience without resulting into righteous living is a sham.

As you go to church today I would like you to think about this and when a policeman stops you along the way….

(Francis Kong will be the lead trainer for the Dr. John Maxwell’s “Developing the Leader Within You” leadership program this February 21-22 at the Hotel Intercon Makati. For further inquiries contact Inspire Leadership Consultancy Inc. 632-8129125 ).