‘The integrity of the upright guides them, but the unfaithful are destroyed by their duplicity.’ Proverbs 11:3 (NIV)
We need to be people of integrity if we want others to listen to us. Only when we can be trusted will we be heard. Perhaps in the early stages of a relationship, we will be given the benefit of the doubt, as long as our credentials are good. But in order to maintain others trust, we must demonstrate credibility. That is we must prove we are reliable, sincere and full of integrity.
It’s been said that the mediocre teacher tells, the good teacher explains, but the best teacher demonstrates. Ultimately, each of us should strive to be the message we preach. In the first few months of any relationship we focus on a person’s communication ability in order to make judgments about him or her.
For example, when we have a new boss who speaks well and casts a compelling vision, we buy in. When we connect well with a new neighbor or co-worker, we feel we may have a new friend. When we meet the person we end up marrying, we think everything will always be wonderful. And for most people the honeymoon is wonderful. But then comes the marriage! Sometimes that too is wonderful, and sometimes it’s not. What makes the difference is credibility.
Eventually though in any relationship credibility overrides communication. When a person is credible, the longer the time, the better it gets. But for someone who lacks credibility, the longer the time, the worse it gets. The truth is: with the passage of time the way we live far outweighs the words we use.
Prayer:
‘Heavenly Father, forgive me for I know that what I say and how I act do not always line up. Help me to be a person who speaks the truth and lives according to what I say. Help me to demonstrate credibility.’
In Jesus’ Mighty Name,
AMEN!
Final Thoughts:
How well can we be trusted? Though our words may sound appealing do we actually live what we say or is there a marked difference between the two? Are we destroying the relationship we wish to foster by our duplicity?
Be Greatly Blessed!
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