From: Kamal Bengougam
Email1: ¦Admin@ethosmag.com
Date: 9/9/98
Time: 11:41:19 AM
Remote Name: 209.53.89.139
Great subject. A bribe is a bribe whether you request it or pay it. If you choose to pay a bribe, your message is clear: you are rewarding the negative behaviour therefore encouraging it to continue.
However, if the livelihood of many depended on the bribe being paid, should we adopt the lesser evil?What if our lives were on the line? In my opinion, the end never justifies the means. Our world is a world of compromises. We tend to justify behaviour even when such behaviour is but a thin veil protecting cowardice and fear.
Our faith for provision and sustenance ought to be upon God rather than a black mailer. True faith is to believe that God is above all things, that He is omniscient and can overcome any and all situations, regardless of how critical they may be. Paying a bribe is placing our faith, or rather our fears, into the hands of a thief, trusting him/her to honour the deal. What if he/she did not honour the agreement, decided to become greedy and ask for more money, what then? We have created a vicious circle and we are at its mercy.
Paying a bribe is the equivalent of gambling. It is addictive and the results/rewards are stacked against you, in favour of the house. Also, what message would it give to the world? That we are no different than they are!!!
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