I just finished an amazing biography written by Robert Coram called – “American Patriot – the Life and Wars of Col. Bud Day. I think it should be required reading in all high schools. As I read about Col. Day’s incredible life, I kept thinking about this question…
Are you trustworthy?
It is the first question I ask, at least silently to myself, whenever I meet someone new. Trustworthiness is the most important character trait a person can have. It is more important than being likable, intelligent, handsome, or even charismatic. Without trust, every relationship is on shaky ground and limited to how much it can grow and to what it can accomplish.
The number one problem facing our country is we don’t value integrity highly enough. It impacts every aspect of society – in business, government, schools, churches, in cities and in small towns. We just don’t trust each other and don’t expect integrity and honorable behavior in other people.
What can we do about it? Beyond making a personal commitment to making our word our bond, beyond living a life of integrity to the best of our ability, no matter the personal cost or inconvenience of honoring our promises, what else can we do about restoring integrity to our national fabric?
There isn’t anything else. And that’s really the point. No legislation, regulation, alarm, lock, or security system will make people more honorable. Those are only obstacles to be overcome by creative minds who have intelligence and ability but no sense of integrity.
Lack of integrity cannot be solved by fiat, it can only be solved through individual commitments, one person, one household, one community at a time.
Is it possible to elevate the character trait of being honorable, to the same level as other attributes we admire, like the ability to create wealth or to play sports at a high level, or produce extraordinary art and entertainment? Of course, it is. But again, it starts with one commitment at a time.
An honorable person will tell the entire truth without manipulation of any kind, regardless of the impact on himself. An honorable person can be guided by the rule of KTN, in interactions with other people. Is what I am about to say, Kind, True, and Necessary?
Here is another guideline to consider in a commitment to becoming honorable –
Suppose a senior in high school borrowed his dad’s car to go to the prom. That night he had a great time at the prom, but on the way home he side-swiped a car and put a long dent in his dad’s car. Upon arriving home late that night, his dad met him as he entered the house.
“How was the prom?” His dad asked.
“Great!” Said the son and off to bed he went.
Was the son honorable? Was he telling the truth?
If you think he was, then perhaps you don’t understand what being honorable is all about.
During my eulogy, will someone say that I was honorable? I hope so. It is truly my only wish.