By Chap. (Capt.) Kevin Daul
Special to GUIDON

There’s that voice again. Did you hear it? “Honesty is the best policy.”  I can hear my grandmother’s voice reverberating, almost haunted by that well-worn saying.  

Even so, that timeless saying reminds us of a very important value we all treasure. The integral character, honesty:  one of the most basic elements needed for positive social relationships. Successful relationships with friends and business mates, family, spouses and acquaintances all depend on genuine, open, honest people.  

Ever had a difficult time working with a dishonest person?  They fibbed about something small like age and then embellished accomplishments and continued to lie when approached about arriving late to work.  

Those who choose to bend the truth at work compromise their own character.   They are not trusted for those most important jobs, which must be done exceptionally.  

Dishonest people are less reliable and their work may leave questions, “Will they leave me in a lurch?” No one really wants dishonesty at work and all of us have fallen short on that mark so let’s try a new approach at work and try honesty at home first.    

Since those who know us best live, play, and work around us, they also know and experience our integrity and honesty the most.   

What better place to practice honesty with those who have invested interest and love in you. Try this experiment of honesty.  Share your accomplishments and failures accurately at home without erroneous bragging. Since everyone gets discouraged and fouls things up, why be embarrassed if you don’t look better than the next guy?  Try sharing your joys and sorrows instead of covering some embarrassment up.  

Friends and family understand imperfect honesty.

Did you hear the voice of honesty this time?  There’s nothing to cover-up, no guilt, no worry, no sleepless nights planning, just a clear conscious ready to meet another caring trusted friend.   

“No man has a good enough memory to make a successful liar.”  — Abraham Lincoln

Anyone who can be trusted in little matters can also be trusted in important matters. But anyone who is dishonest in little matters will be dishonest in important matters.  Luke 16:10 — Contemporary English Version Bible.

(Editor’s note: Daul is the 701st Military Police Battalion chaplain.)