Power Ingredients for Personal Integrity

“Have the courage to say no. Have the courage to face the truth. Do the right thing because it is right. These are the magic keys to living your life with integrity.”

— W. Clement Stone (1902–2002)

The life we want is a life unattainable until we stow the above wisdom into the recesses of our psyche, commit to what it requires of us, and then step through the plan that wisdom advises. All of this is provisional on a thriving relationship with God who will keep us honest.

None of us is noble without God; without knowing we rely on him for any real success in life. And all true success is intrinsically linked to others. The more others do well, the more we do well, but it isn’t about us getting life right for them so we can get life right for us. We need to work for others purely for the blessing involved in it; to know we are doing what God ordains for us to do; to do it because it pleases him.

Having the Courage to Say No

One of the hardest things for most if not all of us is saying no, especially as we wish to please people. Saying no involves a risk. We risk our popularity. We risk people’s perceptions. We risk missing their approval. But the more selective we are – the more we say no, because of wisdom – the more likely we will stay on the right path. Too often we get into trouble for not saying no when we should. It’s time to commit to saying no when it’s right to say no.

Having the Courage to Face the Truth

Some truth – in fact, nearly all personal truth – is humbling and possibly embarrassing. It is uncomfortable to deal with, but we can overcome our weakness of pride when being right is no longer important. What a paradox it is: instead of being right we wish to do what is right by aligning with what is right. Sure, being right is important, but our motive is crucial. When we have the courage to face the truth we are blessed to grow.

Doing the Right Thing Because It Is Right

The right motive is the safest, most efficient, wisest mode for living life. This is about parking our ambitions – all of them – and investing in the wisdom of trusting the processes of God’s will. What will be, will be; and it takes faith to trust in doing the right thing because it’s the right thing. But it’s the best plan.

© 2014 S. J. Wickham.