Integrity is what people see. Character is what God sees.
Let’s break it down.
We’ve all heard that integrity is doing the right thing even when no one’s watching.
But where does that instinct come from?
That’s where character steps in.
Character vs. Integrity
Here’s the difference:
- Integrity is your action.
- Character is your internal compass—the why behind what you do.
You might say:
Integrity is what you do.
Character is who you are.
Let’s Talk Real-Life
Example 1:
You notice a supplier undercharged you.
Most people would say, “Well hey, must be my lucky day!”
But character says: “Wait—this isn’t right. Let me check on that.”
Example 2:
You promised to be at a meeting, but a real emergency comes up.
Character doesn’t ghost the meeting.
Character reaches out—before the meeting starts—and honors both the emergency and the commitment.
That’s integrity with compassion.
Word Nerd Moment
- Integrity comes from “integer”—meaning whole or complete.
It’s about consistency across all areas of your life. - Character comes from a word that means “to engrave” or “to mark.”
It’s your internal signature. The imprint of who you truly are.
And if you’re a Christian business owner, that mark should reflect the image of the One who made you.
Called to Higher Character
This world may reward shortcuts.
But we’re called to something higher.
We’re not just running businesses—we’re building legacies.
And that means choosing character even when no one’s watching.
Even when it costs you.
Even when it’s inconvenient.
Because people will forget your price.
They’ll forget your pitch.
But they’ll remember your character.
Final Thought
Character is what whispers, “Do the right thing,”
when no one else would even notice if you didn’t.
So here’s the challenge:
What is your character marking into your business today?
Let’s be business owners who don’t just look good—we’re rooted in good.
And if you’re ready to build a brand that’s marked by character and driven by faith,
let’s talk.
Other reading on character
