The Priceless of Integrity

I was buying a new TV because my $75.00 pawn shop TV gave up after 7 years. I bought one a couple days ago, and then I saw a better one for the same price so I took it back to exchange. I also picked up a scanner/fax machine, and asked about a couple other items. The electronic guy is ringing me up, trying to answer my questions, and showing a new worker how to give a refund. I had one more question about something they didn't have, and the guy sent me on my way. I think he was annoyed by my questions.

I was walking towards the front of the store when I thought I should probably pull my receipt out for the front, but the greeter is a good family friend and she probably won't check it. Then I realized I didn't ever put a receipt in my wallet. I took a few more steps then realized I never paid for anything. As I started walking back to electronics I realized I could have just left the store. Everything was demagnetized, and I knew the greeter. When I got back to electronics the register still said "Total Due."

I went back and said, "It would probably be good if I paid for this stuff." The guy was a bit surprised, apologized, then thought it through and thanked me for my honesty. I think he slowly realized how much trouble he could have been in. One of the other workers kind of laughed and looked at me like I was an idiot.

Leaving the store without paying was not a temptation for me. I'm glad I realized I didn't have the receipt because I would have walked out without remembering I didn't pay and then wondered about it when I was balancing my checkbook. And sure enough the greeter didn't check my receipt. As I was walking out with paid merchandise I started thinking what will people sell their integrity for?

I say this not to brag, but to simply say that my integrity is not for sell. If I would have walked out, and yes I could have without getting caught at all, I would have given a piece of my soul away for a TV and a scanner. Every time I would have watched TV, I would have had to shut off my conscience and numb my soul. And then I would have started wondering what happened to the worker and the greeter, because they may have gotten into serious trouble.

Be honest. Yes, I could have come out of there $300.00 richer and a screaming conscience. But I paid, left feeling good about myself, and had an opportunity to show grace to a Wal-Mart worker. I hope I see him next time I am in there.

Get to a point where your integrity is not for sell. Don't take advantage of people even if you can. It makes no difference if other people do it, don't add to the world's misery. Stand above and say "I don't care what other people will do to others or me, I will do what is right." This was one of those moments where I got to live that out.

-written to Sufjan Stevens "Enjoy Your Rabbit"