12 Integrity Builders
by Sharon Frame
I had a business appointment recently. The party never showed up, and
never bothered to call and apologize. My time was not valued. Apparently, his
word wasn't worth much either.
What ever happened to "your word is your bond?" These
days, people tend to give their word without the slightest intention of honoring
it.
Some make ambitious pledges on a whim to worthy causes, with good
intentions. But once the emotional thrill is gone, so goes the will to follow
through on their commitment.
It seems personal integrity has fallen victim to a society that is no
longer disturbed by broken promises; a culture where lying is a skillful art
form. Even under oath, some people feel quite at ease fabricating or stretching
the truth.
The newspaper headlines are awash with shocking stories of corporate
fraud, crooked politicians, even lying journalists making up stories. At times,
is seems our world is a cesspool, simmering in deception and trickery.
But Christ followers must stay above the fray.
If we are to be people of integrity, the simple act of keeping our word
is a good place to start. Not too long ago, a man's word chiseled his
reputation. If he broke it, his honor was seriously damaged. Some would have
rather died than renege on a commitment. Now-a-days, many people keep
commitments only if and when we feel like it. But your broken word indicates you
cannot be trusted. It suggests you are unreliable.
God is calling on us to take our cue from Jesus Christ--a man of honor
and above reproach. Everything He said He would do, He did.
God Himself so honors His own word, He has lifted it above His name!
Your word measures your integrity. It reflects character, the true you.
That's why it's crucial not to toss it around casually.
12
Tips to Build Integrity:
1. Keep your commitments
to God. If you don't, you'll live in spiritual
turmoil.
2.
Don't make commitments you know you can't keep. That
only
breeds frustration.
3. Don't rush to please people by making
empty promises. You'll only
disappoint them and yourself in the
long run.
4. Strive to be a person of honor. Don't say
one thing and do another.
5. Value other people's
time. If you make an appointment, keep it.
6. If you
must break a commitment, give proper and timely notice.
People will
respect you for being considerate.
7. Don't base your promised
word on feelings or emotions. Feelings are
fleeting, but our word
should stand firm.
8. Always speak the truth in love.
Don't try to spare people's feeling by
being dishonest.
9.
Know your limitations. Don't be a hero and overburden yourself
with
commitments. Something will suffer.
10. Just say
no. Don't feel obligated. Better to disappoint up front, than to
agree to a task and fail to follow through.
11. Value
yourself and your time. You can't be all things to all people.
Don't give place to guilt because you can't give your word.
12.
Don't be haphazard. When you do commit to a task, perform it to
the best of your ability.
Your word is like currency. Anybody should be
able to take it to the bank. But if all you are depositing is empty commitments,
that currency has no value. And your character becomes worthless.
Value and honor your word. That alone will yield a rich supply of
personal integrity.
Sharon Frame is an award-winning empowerment speaker, trainer and consultant who has
conducted countless seminars on career development and peak performance.
