Humility, Hard Work, and Integrity

We are mindful these days of young people who are moving into life’s more permanent pursuits. We are mindful also of the many decisions facing those who have completed some part of their preparation, and who must now or soon decide whether to quit or how far to proceed with further preparation.

It is difficult to generalize, for each case carries its own set of circumstances. But as to quitting, as to weariness of study, weariness of work, as to quitting because of discouragement, because of some uncertainty, or for some shortsighted consideration, this we would say, and say it most sincerely: Whatever we face in the future, the best-prepared people will be the best prepared for any eventuality. And whatever point young people may have reached they should go forward, with faith and make solid plans, and prepare fully to live their lives.

We recall the counsel of an eminent American who suggested three factors for the solid living of life: The first is “humility.” There is so much that all of us do not know. There is so much others have done for us. There is so much that to all of us the Lord God has given. Humility is a great and simple and essential quality of character.

The second is “hard work”⎯the willingness to work. We sometimes see the results; we see the flowers, the fruit. We see what seems to be an overnight success. What we less often see are the roots down deep; the long working, the long waiting, the long period of preparation. No cause was ever served significantly without the earnest effort of preparing, improving, performing.

The third is “integrity.” There isn’t anything that anyone has that is worth much without it. Talent isn’t worth much without integrity; indeed, it is more likely a liability. No material possessions can be safeguarded or assured without integrity⎯and without it little business between people is possible. Integrity is the very essence of all satisfactory relationships in life.

To these three we would add a fourth⎯although not from the same source: courage, the courage to plan, to prepare, to work, to wait, to face facts: courage and faith in the future. Surely there are uncertainties. We none of us know how far our ventures will prosper, how long, how much we can profit by our preparation⎯but there is no promise to those who fail to prepare, to lay solid foundations, with humility, hard work, integrity, and courage⎯courage and faith for the future.