Three Values That Can Keep You Real

Be careful!!! Unfortunately, not everyone is who you think they are when it comes to business integrity! Some leaders in their attempts to please everyone turn into hypocrites. So at times, you need to ask, “Are you for real?”

In the tough environment that we’re living in these days, our desire to survive and thrive amidst the demands can be stretching and very challenging. The temptation can emerge to gradually drift into questionable practices, can be very powerful.

Woven throughout the Bible are examples of leaders with integrity that were “for real!” Leaders such as Jacob, Joseph, Samuel, David, Paul and Barnabas. Each of these leaders held in common their focus on three important values that serve as fine reminders to each of us, as leaders.

1. Focus on Truth

Have you heard the saying, “you can’t stop a bird from landing on your head but you sure can stop it from building a nest in your hair!” When your thoughts tempt you to “fudge” what’s right – that’s when you need to take control.

The apostle Paul said,

“Fix your thoughts on what is true, honourable, and right, and pure.”
Philippians 4:8

A leader of integrity lives a life of truth and honesty.

How do you keep thoughts that could jeopardize
your integrity from parking in your mind?

2. Focus on Trust

Relationships are what really matter! Integrity in relationships is all about trust, respect and honour. The ways in which you treat others says it all.
When you are truthful and honest, trust is earned. Using Christ’s example, Paul said,

“Speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ.”
Ephesians 4:15

How do you demonstrate that you honour others and
desire to have strong relationships of trust and respect?

3. Focus on Treasure

Your greatest treasure is that you are set apart for God’s purpose and His pleasure. To be set apart is to strive to live a holy life as our Heavenly Father. As a leader, you are called to live differently from the world system.

Being set apart, you have the treasure of God’s Word to serve as your guide for life and business. The closer your alignment with the truth of scripture, the greater your integrity will be evident to everyone with whom you have contact. Your life will be evidence of His story in all you say, do and promise.

Who do you have in your life that can help
you keep in alignment with God’s Word?

No leader wants to have the question asked, “Are you for real?” God calls you to value the truth, the trust and the treasure that have in Him and His Word. In doing so, you can live honest, honourable and holy lives of integrity.

As the Solomon reminds us:

“Integrity guides decent people, but hypocrisy
leads treacherous people to ruin.”
Proverbs 11:3