THE INTEGRITY SCREEN

By Dr. Sterling Lands, II

Why are many of us tempted, from time to time, to lie or cheat a little or to take something that isn't ours? We think it's such a small thing. It doesn't really matter.
The little things do matter. People are watching us. Those who are slaves to their fears and hurts want to see if character centeredness is real. They want to see how a leader with high moral character lives.
Every decision and choice made could be of high moral character, if you had a helping tool and were committed to using it in making your decision. The tool would have to address any situation or circumstance and should be user friendly with an end view. It should aid in determining when we are going in the wrong direction and challenge us to turn around. I call this tool the "integrity screen."
The "Integrity Screen" allows you to arrive at a character centered solution based on available information. It is not a miracle drug resolving you of any responsibility for your choices. The “Integrity Screen” is primarily a tool for checking your motives and commitment to doing the right thing and way for the right reason, expecting the right results to benefit others.
Remember, screens are supposed to aid you in separating the desired from the un-desired. It will not work unless you use it.
This is the "Integrity Screen":
1. THE RIGHT THING
Does my choice agree with the standard? What is the standard? What do I value? Does my choice agree with truth?
2. THE RIGHT WAY
Is my conduct indicative of a leader of high moral character? Does my action reflect what I value? Is my conduct indicative of me?
3. THE RIGHT REASON
What is my primary motivation? Why do I really want to do this? Do I have the right attitude? Does my attitude reflect what I value?
4. THE RIGHT RESULT
What is the anticipated outcome as it relates to my motivation? Do my expectations reflect what I value?
5. THE RIGHT BENEFIT
Who does it benefit? What is in it for me? What is the long term effect of the results?
6.THE RIGHT GLORY/FOCUS
Who gets the glory? Who deserves the spotlight? How much visibility should I get at the conclusion?
7. THE RIGHT STANDARD
What is the standard? What qualifies the standard as right? How will the standard be used?
Truth is essential to rebuilding everything destroyed in the Black community over the years by the slaves’ love/hate relationship with the slave master. Integrity was sacrificed for personal gain. The only right thing was what was right for me. We learned how to be capital jerks of the first order. Unfortunately, today we have not moved very far from the plantation’s set mind. We still cheat, lie to and about each other and steal from ourselves and future. We need the "Integrity Screen" in every meeting, church and home. Our decisions have a huge impact on tomorrow. What kind of message is your life sending? Are you a person with high morals? I am going to sharpen my character skills through the use of the "Integrity Screen" and try to become a person with high morals. What about you?