Refusing an easy shortcut: choosing the straight path
A shortcut is tempting: it saves time, money or effort. A colleague suggests “padding” a figure a little, a student copies an answer, a tradesman offers not to declare a sum. This quest invites you to spot these moments today and choose the straight path.
What it looks like in your day
Dishonest shortcuts don't show up with horns. They are often dressed up as obvious: “Everybody does it,” “Nobody will know,” “It's for a good cause.” A few everyday examples:
- Copying someone else's work or using a text without citing it.
- Rounding up hours or expenses to your advantage.
- Hiding a mistake instead of reporting it.
- Using software or a film without a license.
- Saying “It's done” when it is only half done.
- Accepting a payment without an invoice.
Three gestures help you say no:
- Spot it early. As soon as you think “Nobody will know,” stop: it is a warning sign.
- Choose the right option, even if it is slower. Take the time to do your work yourself, to admit a mistake, to ask for permission.
- Accept the cost. There is sometimes a price: a delay, a reproach. Accept it calmly.
If you are short on time, remember this: ask yourself the question “Would I be comfortable if this became known?” If you are shy, you can simply say: “I'd rather do it properly.”
What the Bible says
The book of Proverbs describes the result of the two paths:
“He that walketh uprightly walketh surely: but he that perverteth his ways shall be known.”
“He that walketh uprightly walketh surely”: the one who has nothing to hide can move forward in peace. Another proverb underlines the fragility of ill-gotten gain:
“Wealth gotten by vanity shall be diminished: but he that gathereth by labour shall increase.”
Jesus himself faced the shortcut par excellence. In the wilderness, the devil offers him all the kingdoms of the earth, without going through the cross:
“And the devil, taking him up into an high mountain, shewed unto him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time. And the devil said unto him, All this power will I give thee, and the glory of them: for that is delivered unto me; and to whomsoever I will I give it. If thou therefore wilt worship me, all shall be thine. And Jesus answered and said unto him, Get thee behind me, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.”
Jesus refuses by quoting Scripture: “Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.” He chooses the long road, that of obedience. Every shortcut is a miniature version of this temptation: reaching a good without going through God's way.
Pitfalls to avoid
Telling yourself it doesn't matter. A small shortcut makes you used to taking others. Integrity is forged in the details (Luke 16:10).
Thinking you are purer than others. You can refuse without judging those who accept. Stay humble: you have your own flaws too.
Not distinguishing efficiency from dishonesty. Trying to save time is not wrong in itself. It is the means that counts: if we cheat, we circumvent.
Doing it for glory. Refusing a shortcut is not an occasion to make yourself admirable. Just do it simply.
Feeling guilty about past shortcuts. If you have taken some, acknowledge it and correct it if possible. Forgiveness is available, and grace helps you change.
Today, if a dishonest convenience comes up, say no and do things properly.