Do you always do what is right even when no one is watching you ? It means to do what is right, morally, and legally. Honesty-telling the truth, it’s discipline of trustworthy, and its non negotiable. Once integrity has been violated, it’s the hardest thing to restore once its lost. Integrity is being true to God, true to yourself, true to your family, and anyone else who places their trust in you. When integrity has been violated it can tear down an entire organization.  Leaders lead by example, in the workplace an employee knows that a good leader sticks to the same standards that they are expected to follow. A person will follow a leader making tough decisions, even if they don’t agree because the leader has the best interest of that organization. Leaders who demonstrate integrity in their everyday actions: more trust is gained, and respect is inspired.

Integrity has one central meaning-truth, truth is in the very nature of God. Truth is universal absolute, which conforms to the reality, and facts in our lives. Scripture says in 2 Corinthians 4:2 “But we have renounced disgraceful, underhanded ways. We refuse to practice cunning or to tamper with God's word, but by the open statement of the truth we would commend ourselves to everyone's conscience in the sight of God” Leaders should foster honesty, and encourage their staff and subordinates to do the right thing. Team members should hold each other accountable towards the value of integrity, and standards because it builds cohesion within the organization. I found from my time serving with the US Army that when people care about ethics; including their internal moral compass, then people are productive, and committed to the mission.

So if we “know what the right thing to do is, and we fail to complete it, then that means we are sinning” James 4:17. A person can set a great example of integrity by doing things like being punctual, punching in early “ Starting the job on time, not taking breaks longer than necessary, and leaving when everything is done. Even when others don’t see the details, God always does-he completes the “final inspection” “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving”. Colossians 3:23-24. One of the things that I remember my leaders in the military pounded into our heads was respect for government property. If it didn’t belong to us, then we would not touch it, or use it without expressed permission.

In the US Army we were expected to be truthful about our abilities, if we were tasked to do a certain duty, then we were expected to do whatever was necessary accomplish it. Leaders should always be aware of their team, not underestimating, or overestimating the qualities of individuals. Leaders we advise you to approach each situation your faced with using discernment, and understanding. Don’t allow excuses to be made for unsatisfactory conditions, or casting blame on others. Encourage diligence, creativity in problem solving, personal responsibility, and strong communication. Reject dishonesty; but require accuracy, and justice in all dealings. Don’t compromise the truth, or do anything that betrays the confidence of your team. The Bible says “Differing weights and differing measures— the LORD detests them both”. Proverbs 20:10.

I can tell you that your going to be challenged as a leader when you are faced with the responsibility of upholding standards of integrity. There may come a time when you hear reports about someone or something that seems like false information. The best thing that you can do is conduct fair investigation. Partial truth is deceptive, and also dangerous, plus it can unintentionally harm others. Don’t rely on misinformation, rumors, but get right to the source of the matter. Choose wisely your decisions, and operate with discretion, make sure that you get all the facts straight, don’t just make an assumption. Be ready to practice truth by speaking with love and mercy, it will help you maintain the right motive. Sacrifice your emotions then you will see clearly what to do. By mercy and truth iniquity is purged: and by the fear of the Lord men depart from evil. Proverbs 16:6