Integrity Moments

One of my favorite undergraduate university classes was Introduction to Astronomy, taught by Dr. James Van Allen. Van Allen was by then a world-famous astronomer, featured on the cover of Time magazine, and for whom the earth’s Van Allen radiation belts are named. Yet this learned man loved to teach undergraduates to share his passion ...

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The 2026 release of the Trust Index by the Barna research organization added the category of “Christian Business” for the first time. Respondents gave Christian Business a score of 56 on the 100-point trust scale, one point below Christian Churches.   However, “Local Business” rated nine points higher than “Christian Business.” In other words, being local ...

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The Ponzi Scheme was named for an Italian illegal immigrant to America named Charles Ponzi. He duped victims out of millions a century ago by selling them a bogus investment with grand promises. He paid those promises from other people’s investment, perpetuating the fraud for years. His lack of concern for his victims seems evident ...

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As a foolish young man, I drove my car into a ditch and had no money for a tow. I called a friend’s grandfather for help.   After hearing what happened, he summarized my behavior: “You were proud, drunk, stupid, and you’re broke?” Stung, I answered, “Yes, sir.” He replied,   “Now that you understand your foolishness, ...

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An episode of “Touched by an Angel” featured Monica investigating a struggling taffy factory. The equipment and employees had not changed, yet performance declined after the founder died.   Monica discovered one difference: the former owner had prayed for the company and every employee. His son discontinued that practice.   The story offered me a reminder that ...

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As a child, I sometimes crossed my fingers behind my back when agreeing to something I did not want to do. As a teenager, occasionally I promised to join a friend, then abandoned it when a better invitation arrived.   Those choices may have seemed small, but broken promises erode trust. In business, where relationships depend ...

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In my twenties, our audit department hired a supervisor I’ll call Mary. She reminded everyone of her college degrees and constantly complained about our boss.   Mary promoted her credentials as making her better qualified to lead the department. Eventually, during a staff meeting, she challenged our boss, expecting coworkers to support her. No one did.   ...

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As a teenager, I spent summers working on my uncle’s farm. We planted soybeans and watched them grow, but summer always ended before harvest.   I found it disappointing to invest labor without seeing the final results. My uncle, however, understood that farming requires patience. He trusted that the harvest would come in its season.  James ...

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Max DePree, former CEO of Herman Miller, once discovered factory workers discussing his compensation. They believed he deserved more than they earned, but felt the disparity had become excessive.   Rather than reacting defensively, DePree listened, researched, and prayed. He eventually established a policy that the CEO’s compensation could not exceed twenty times the average factory ...

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When Kathy and I married, we held our reception in a facility owned by a wealthy man. Before the reception, I found a man in overalls setting up the tables and chairs alone.   Assuming he was hired help, I asked why no one was assisting him. He barked, “That would cost me money.” He was ...

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