This article was written to encourage those in the business world through the NWA Business Journal; as I reviewed my words “in print” yesterday, I determined they would serve as my blog today. My people connected to my church, other readers, and even those who are involved in the Southern Baptist Convention, need to be encouraged and challenged regarding these words.

-Summer is a great time to focus on your personal and professional goals. In order to accomplish these goals, you must have the right heart and motive. Be intentional about the kind of imprint you wish to leave on those with whom you work and live. No one desires to be like, be around, or become a person who is self-serving or someone whose actions are not representative of his or her words. This summer, set your focus upon three very important guidelines:

1. Focus on integrity in the workplace and wherever you are. Are you a man or a woman of integrity? Is there a gap between what you say and what you do? The writer of Proverbs stresses the priority of integrity by stating: “Better is the poor who walks in his integrity than one who is perverse in his lips, and is a fool.” Proverbs 19:1
2. Focus on right living with your colleagues and your family. Treat others in every situation, as you would want to be treated. Do you respect those with whom you work and with whom you live? Do you honor those who are in authority over you at home and in the workplace? Refuse the lure of compromise, which only leads to wrong choices and results in wrong living. “He who pursues righteousness and loyalty finds life, righteousness, and honor.” Proverbs 21:21
3. Focus on truthfulness. Would others consider you to be honest in your words and your actions? Are you considered reliable and trustworthy? No one wants to go anywhere with anyone who would say anything to get there. At the end of the day, truth is still a valuable necessity that can only come from one source, for He is Truth and He has no equal or replacement.“Buy truth, and do not sell it, Get wisdom and instruction and understanding.” Proverbs 23:23

These are high goals for every professional and every person. These are worthy goals for every relationship. These guidelines bring life if pursued to their ultimate destination.