03.05.07 The 5th Practice for Avoiding Corruption
5. Respect Authority
There is no authority, be it organisational, or national, that condones corruption. Therefore, a genuine respect for authority can restrain a person from succumbing to the vice; more so, if she or he discovers that ‘respect for authorities’ is a God-given command. Look at what Romans 13:1-2 and 5 says (NLT): 1Everyone must submit to governing authorities. For all authority comes from God, and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God. 2So anyone who rebels against authority is rebelling against what God has instituted…5So you must submit to them, not only to avoid punishment, but also to keep a clear conscience.
Furthermore, God backs the punishment of rebellious offenders. Let us look at what Romans 13:3-4 has to sayon this matter. That scripture reads (NLT).... Would you like to live without fear of the authorities? Do what is right, … 4The authorities are God’s servants, sent for your good. But if you are doing wrong, of course you should be afraid, for they have the power to punish you. They are God’s servants, sent for the very purpose of punishing those who do what is wrong. Therefore, anyone desiring to live peaceably rather than in constant fear of being punished by governing authorities, should think twice before engaging in corruptive activities.
So, we are duty-bound to respect authorities by complying to anti-corruption policies; not just for our good but also for the common good. One example is the ‘Gift Policy’; which, by the way, an officer may be tempted to break. But complying is simple: ask - why the gift; as it must be for a legitimate purpose rather than being given or received aimlessly. Be sure that the value and quantities of that gift are not ‘over the board’ and unrealistic. In a nutshell, check that you are compliant when either giving or receiving gifts.