In our previous Wisdom Note, we explored our 2nd part of “you always have a choice.” This week we tie in a related subject of why integrity matters. If you miss any of our Wisdom Notes, please go to the blog to read past newsletters.
Integrity in our lives, our work, and what we produce to impact others does matter. As Paula and I have been truly blessed to live in the home that my great grandparents built, we are very thankful that the house was built so solid and with such integrity. After nearly 120 years, the structure of our home and the beauty of its interior is evident throughout.
It’s not always easy to admit a mistake, persevere during tough times, or follow through on every promise made. It is not always easy to be mature, maintain your composure and not get angry when another person treats you unfairly. It’s not always comfortable to convey the hard truth or stand up for your beliefs. In a business situation, especially if you are a manager or owner, it may not be beneficial in the short-term to do right by your clients, to put people before profits, to distance yourself from a questionable relationship, and to maintain exceptional business practices.
Without exception, though, in the long run, doing the right thing is the clear path to build and keep your reputation both personally and professionally. It is also the only path to long-term success and happiness. Your integrity always matters. Here are nine foundation principles, or stepping stones, as to why integrity really does matter.
1. Achieve peace of mind.
People with good character and integrity can sleep well at night. They take great pride in knowing that their intentions and actions are honorable. People with integrity also stay true to their beliefs, do right by others, and always take the high ground. They would rather suffer temporary loss, if needed, in order to maintain long-term integrity. They realize that life is a marathon and finishing well requires that you run the entire race well.
2. Strengthen trust.
People with character enjoy meaningful relationships based on openness, honesty, and mutual respect. When you have high integrity, people know that your behavior is reliable, your heart is in the right place, and your word is good as gold.
3. Build a solid reputation.
People with integrity command a rock-solid reputation. This helps them attract exciting opportunities “like a magnet.” People will follow someone who has integrity. Remember, though, reputation is how others see you, integrity is what you really are. A person of integrity will do what is right, even if no one sees them.
Psalms 106:3 – There is joy for those who deal justly with others and always do what is right.
4. Reduce anxiety.
People with integrity carry less baggage. They’re comfortable within their own skin, and they accept responsibility for their actions. They never have to play games, waste precious time keeping their stories straight, or invent excuses to cover their behind. They can love themselves properly because of their integrity, which allows them to love others unconditionally.
5. Increases your effectiveness when leading others.
People who have high integrity can be more effective when they are in a leadership role. They have no need to pull rank or resort to command and control to get results. Instead, they’re effective because they’re knowledgeable, admired, trusted, and respected. This helps them trust their judgment without requiring ridiculous rules or strong oversight designed to force compliance.
Romans 15:2 – We should help others do what is right and build them up in the Lord.
6. Build confidence.
People with integrity don’t worry about embarrassment if their actions are publicly disclosed. This alleviates the need for deception, damage control, or the fear of potential disgrace as a result of indiscretions.
7. Become a positive role model.
People with integrity set the standard for excellence. They live their life as an open book, teaching others important life lessons through their words and their deeds. They truly live their legacy each day.
John 3:21 – But those who do what is right come to the light so others can see that they are doing what God wants.
8. Live a purpose-driven life.
People with integrity live a life they can be proud of. They’re driven to make a difference and to do right by others rather than trying to impress others with extravagance. Their lives are a living testament to a life of purpose and meaning.
9. Build a strong life.
Having integrity is the foundation for a strong life both personally and in business. Everything else being equal, a person of integrity will be a better worker, manager, professional, and business owner. They do right by their family, friends, fellow associates, customers, and communities. Although it is difficult to maintain that integrity all the time, they know that long-term their lives will be stronger and better lived if they have stellar integrity.
Galatians 6:9 – So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up.
As we complete our Wisdom Notes for today, it is clear from the foundation stones on the trail that we have hiked why integrity really does matter. If we walk in integrity, God will grant common sense to go along with it as is indicated in Proverbs 2:7, “He grants a treasure of common sense to the honest. He is a shield to those who walk with integrity.” One of the foundation stones of a person with integrity is that he lives with a purpose. Next week, we will hike the trail that will help us to understand what it means to live with a purpose. Encourage your friends and family to join us on our 5 day a week podcast: Wisdom-Trek, Creating a Legacy.
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