I recently had lunch with one of the businessmen in church.
He was telling me the story of how “SOP’s” (standard operating procedures) have become an SOP in business negotiations. An “SOP” is a term people use these days in place of the word bribe.
In a recent meeting where he had to present his services, the man in charge assured him that he can get the deal as long as he gives in to this process. This was communicated to him after a series of meetings and several presentations already done.
On this particular meeting when the “bomb” was dropped, my friend, with a straight face responds by thanking him for the opportunity to present.
“Thank you for listening to us and allowing us to present our services to you. We realize that by not giving in to this process of “SOP”, we probably won’t end up with the project. Rest assured, we appreciate your time.”
My friend already conceded to the fact that it would be given to another company who would be willing give “under the table.”
It was inspiring to hear his conviction, stand up for what he believes is right and follow through with the decision.
He knew what he stood for and wasn’t about to sell his character for a couple of million pesos.
Proverbs 28:6 says, “Better is a poor man who walks in his integrity than a rich man who is crooked in his ways.”
He didn’t just believe this. He lived it.
How did this story end?
He actually got the deal anyway.
God blessed him and gave the deal to him without needing to give the “SOP.”
Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory… (Ephesians 3:20-21)
