Integrity: The Quiet Gift That Speaks Louder Than Words

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“Integrity is doing the right thing, even when no one is watching.”

When we think of gifts that money can't buy, integrity may not be something that comes immediately to mind. Integrity is not something that you can see, but it is something that speaks volumes about a person. It is the reputation that a person has established.

It is the ability to live your life with honour and respect, choosing to do the correct thing even when it is not in the public eye.

My parents taught me the value of integrity from an early age. I can remember many times where they would let a salesperson know that they were given too much change, or they would go the extra mile with any and all tasks they were given.

My mom had a quote she would always say, which was, “Any job worth doing is worth doing right.” Both her and my dad prided themselves in being the kind of people who would move Heaven and Earth to be there for people in their time of need. They even had a name for their missions work called Through the Roof Ministries. It was based on the Bible story where a group of believers lowered their friend through a roof to access Jesus and His healing touch in a busy place. They, too, wanted to do whatever they could to ensure that people were taken care of.

My mom and dad did not brag or flaunt their actions but, on occasion, would tell me and my siblings what they did as examples of integrity for us to follow. They were such incredible role models for Judy, Matt, and I.

I recall one time when some friends came from the church to visit my parents. This couple was having serious financial difficulties, and my parents had already blessed them with an anonymous gift of money. They came to tell my parents how touched they were to have received this anonymous gift from someone very generous, but they shared that although it helped, it still did not meet their need entirely.

​My parents, without missing a beat, wrote them another cheque on the spot, never ever indicating that they were the original donors. I never forgot that story, and it was my parents’ desire that this couple never know that they had indeed been blessed twice by them.

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Integrity matters

It is true, as the quote says, that integrity is doing the right thing, even when no one is watching. The truth of the matter is that even when no human is watching, God is always watching. He sees what we do and what we don't do. I want to live my life to make Him proud and to represent Him well.

​As a Christ follower, I desire to ask myself in various scenarios, “What would Jesus do?” Do I get it spot on each and every time? Of course not. I am only human, of course, but living my life with integrity is how I was raised, and it is the way I want to present myself to the world.

I teach this to my students as well, sharing many life lessons and teachable moments on kindness, respect, mutuality, reputation, and integrity.

As we move through this busy season, let’s pause and ask ourselves: Am I living in a way that aligns with who I say I am? Integrity is built one small choice at a time. Choose honesty. Choose faithfulness. Choose to be the same person in private that you are in public.

Call to Action

• Take a moment to reflect on this thought: ~ Is there an area of your life where integrity needs to be strengthened?

• Ask for Godly wisdom for steps you can take today to live out your values with integrity in all aspects of your life.

Until next time,
Dana

Copyright: littlelessonslearnedbydana, © 2025

My parents: Fraser and Marilyn Lear

Author

Dana Romualdi is an elementary teacher, social worker, and writer who is passionate about helping others find hope, healing, and growth through life’s challenges. As the creator of Little Lessons Learned by Dana, she shares faith-filled insights and practical wisdom to inspire others to live with purpose and compassion.

Tags: Integrity, Kindness, Faith in Action, Living with Integrity, Character Matters, Biblical Values, Life Lessons, Christian Living, Little Lessons Learned By Dana,