Benefits vs. Costs: A Question of Truth

I'm in an economics class right now (which challenges many of the ideas I have been taught in my Sociology major...but we'll save that for another time). My point in giving this introduction is to outwardly proclaim that I am far from understanding the world of economics and I apologize in advance for being a beginner in a field I will attempt to expound upon.

The principle of costs vs. benefits is one we use each day in life. Each morning when my alarm sounds at 5am I ask (subconsciously in my sleep-deprived state): "How much will it cost me to sleep in?" and "What are the benefits of getting more sleep?" I then make the decision to roll my body out of bed despite my desire to continue dreaming. Why? Because I have convinced myself the benefits outweigh the costs. Should I marry him or should I not? Should I stop and say hello to my neighbor or should I not? From the big life decisions down to the small daily routines, we evaluate our costs and benefits. What does this have to do with truth? Living true principles requires morale in making these decisions.

When trying to decide those things that may be "questionable" we must evaluate our costs and benefits with true principles rather than the most efficient means. For example, let's say it will save me 1.5 minutes if I don't stop at any of the stop signs that are in my neighborhood as I am on my way to work. And lets also say that my work is 10 minutes away and I only have 9 minutes to get there. Lets also say that I will receive half pay for every hour I clock in late. What are the benefits of running the stop signs? I will get paid more, save more time, make my employers happy getting to work on time, and my stress level will rise and increase the number of calories burned (ok so that last one I'm not so sure about). What are the costs? This is where using true principles comes in to play...breaking the law, putting others (and myself) at risk, letting my integrity slip, etc. Now this may seem like a very small thing, but these little decisions every day amount to our character. Do I really need to tell the store owner I saw my friend shoplifting? Could I get away with parking in this no parking space for a few minutes while I run in and grab something? Are these things worth our integrity? No matter how small the decision we are always chosing to bring ourselves closer or further from the lord.