What is your Word worth?

What is your word worth?
In these modern times, everything changes at an astonishing rate. Technology has enabled all
mankind to have every bit of knowledge ever written at his or her fingertips. The availability of
these archives of information has sparked the fastest upward surge in technological growth in
our living history. Everything is changing, especially the attitudes of the people who inhabit this
shrinking planet. With each new generation, we lose a little more honor and integrity in our
society. People overall have become more selfish. I see it every day in my life's travels. Years
ago, there was not as much of a need for people to have written contracts. This was because
our society had more integrity than now.
When my grandparents were alive, they worked hard to give their children a better life. When
they committed to something, they followed through. My grandfather owned an apartment
building for 40 years and never had any of his tenants sign a formal lease. He guaranteed them
the quiet enjoyment of their apartment and they guaranteed that they would pay their rent. All
this was done with a verbal commitment and a handshake. His word was an unbreakable bond.
This is how he taught his children to be. This is how he taught me to be. It's called integrity.
in·teg·ri·ty ( n-t g r -t )
1. Steadfast adherence to a strict moral or ethical code.
2. The state of being unimpaired; soundness.
3. The quality or condition of being whole or undivided; completeness.
We as individuals have many gifts and talents. Everyone has the ability to become whatever they want.
But what does it matter if your word has no meaning or commitment? How can your life prosper without
any adherence to a sound moral code? I have increasingly encountered people in my business travels
who make verbal commitments only to break them. If you live this way, you are destined to fail.
Meaning in life does not come from material rewards or status, it comes from RELATIONSHIPS. There is
no way one who lives life without honor and integrity can form meaningful relationships with anyone other
than those who are like them. This will ultimately lead to a rough and lonely life. People with no integrity
also spread negative energy to whoever they come in contact with. This spreads like an infection. It has
already happened in our society at a level which is outrageous. Take a moment to think about someone
who you have known in your life that was a liar and lacked any sense of moral code. If you are lucky, you
may not have ever known anyone like this. Most of us have. Inevitably, these people end up with great
hardship in their lives. Worst yet, they cause hardship for others.
We need to regain ground on the way our society operated a century ago. That is- to mean what you say
and say what you mean. Make your word and handshake that unbreakable contract. Teach your children
the same. You will see how many great relationships will be formed as time passes. Having honor and
integrity means that you have reached the highest value as a person. It pays off forever. Even after your
gone, it ensures that your legacy will last. Make your word priceless.