There’s a cryptocurrency being circulated today. It has its roots in ancient markets. Many have forgotten its real value and the possibilities open to those willing to invest. Politicians, some who are quite wealthy by American standards, are often accused of misusing, undervaluing, or having too little of it. Media outlets compete to be recognized as the most trusted, most reliable exchange for it. Many businesses stake their reputation on it. It is the basis for every relational transaction you make. Have enough, and the person with the least amount of authority and the fewest possible resources can influence vast numbers of people to achieve unimaginable results. Have too little, and no matter your position, title or resources, discover even the simplest of tasks impossible for your team to accomplish.

We use this currency in my own family. Because my teenage daughter has invested heavily, it’s easy to let her go out with friends without a curfew. Because my younger sons are working to earn interest, I’m confident the work they do for school will be complete before they pick up a video game or play with friends.

The currency I’m talking about is a quality of character we call HONESTY.

Honesty is defined as being truthful in what I say and do.

Certainly, one can be dishonest with themselves. To have an accurate and appropriate view of ourselves is the starting point for honesty. But honesty finds its greatest value as the currency on which every relationship is built. Our ability to trust one another is the most critical element in every business, political, social, and relational transaction we have.

To be trusted is to have the confidence of the people who need you most. Trust builds freedom. Trust creates opportunity. Trust inspires people to accomplish more than they ever imagined possible on their own.

The currency of trust is honesty. Will you say what you mean, mean what you say, and act in way that is consistent with your word? Will your words and actions be filled with truth?

There’s more to honesty than speaking and acting on the truth. Honesty can be brutal. A coach once told me, “You don’t sweat much for a fat kid.” Thanks for your honesty. But that doesn’t make me a better player or improve my desire to be on your team.

Honesty loses value when we parse worse words, spin ideas, or cover things with half-truths, omissions, or little white lies. I once wrote a song. When I played it for a friend he said, “Wow! I’ll never be able to listen to music the same again.” Alrighty then.  What am I supposed to with that?

Honesty is the currency for every relational transaction. Our goal then must be greater than to speak and act in truth. We must actively seek to speak the truth in a way that strengthens relationships. Honesty pays dividends that far exceed the value of any other investment you will make.

Honestly, I hope you’ll invest today.