A few weeks ago I had the chance to sit down with an old friend, reminisce for a bit, and talk about what he does for a living including his role in the hiring of new team members. One thing from our conversation really stood out to me. He said, “I hire people based on their character, values and work ethic. I don’t care as much about their skills, or their education or experience, but in who they are as people. I can give them training and improve their skills, but I can’t really fix who they are!” What a powerful statement, but so spot on. What my friend said is nothing new to me. I have actually been hearing a similar message over and over from business leaders and human resource folks for quite some time now. At a seminar a few years ago I heard a profound statement, “We hire people for what they know, and we fire people for who they are.”
Our integrity, our character, and our values matter more than you may really think. But why does it matter? Why are people looking at these qualities now more than ever before? Could it be because we’re seeing fewer and fewer people with integrity and character walk through our doors? So when we do see someone with honesty, integrity, high morals and values – all of which are great character traits, we want them on our team. Would you consider yourself someone of high moral integrity? Where do you base your values and beliefs? In the world? In money and possessions? In power and position? In yourself? I choose to base my values, my beliefs, and my moral compass on the firm foundation, the ‘Rock’ that is Jesus Christ. Basing it on anything else is foolish and like building your foundation on sand. Do you build your house on the ‘Rock’ or on the sinking sand?
Matthew 7:24-27 “Whoever hears these words of Mine and does them, will be like a wise man who built his house on rock. The rain came down. The water came up. The wind blew and hit the house. The house did not fall because it was built on rock. Whoever hears these words of Mine and does not do them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down. The water came up. The wind blew and hit the house. The house fell and broke apart.” ~ Jesus
“Dear Lord, help us to be men and women of integrity. Help us to base all we say and do on You and not on the whims of this world. You are our Rock and our Salvation. Thank you Lord. It’s in the name of Jesus I pray, Amen.”