Trustworthy in the small matters?

Albert Einstein once said that “whoever is careless with the truth in small matters cannot be trusted with the important matters”.

Are you trustworthy in the small matters?

For example, are you completely trustworthy and honest in your email correspondence?

According to a new study by Lehigh University, people are significantly more likely to lie in e-mail messages than in traditional pen-and-paper communications.

Luiba Belkin, who was in charge of the study said “There is a growing concern in the workplace over e-mail communications, and it comes down to trust…You’re not afforded the luxury of seeing non-verbal and behavioral cues over e-mail. And in an organizational context, that leaves a lot of room for misinterpretation and, as we saw in our study, intentional deception.” “Intentional Deception”?

Wow, that’s another word for… well… lie!

Like when someone asks your opinion of how a certain ministry or program is doing?
Or if you like their idea about starting a new puppet ministry.

If you’re a pastor or church leader, don’t fool yourself! You’ll have a tendency to embellish or shade the truth each and every day you’re in ministry. And email is a safe place to test that boundary.

Remember Einstein’s words? Whoever is careless with truth in small matters (like email) cannot be trusted with the important matters.

Take a pledge this week as you utilize your email account. Be trustworthy and honest. Don’t shade the truth. And don’t lie to someone. Email makes the temptation much more profound in each of our workdays.


Have a great, truth-filled, week!

Source: Todd A. Rhoades -- Editor / Publisher -- Monday Morning Insights!