Maintain Integrity in your Writing

"You will be judged by your words" kept ringing in my head just after I clicked on the 'publish' button. Well, I finally deleted it when I realized it was a sin to write such.

10 Ways to Maintain Integrity in your Writing

In a way, we are all writers.

When you post on Twitter, Facebook, G+, you write something. When you update your BBM status, reply an SMS, chat with a friend, you write something. When you leave a comment on a blog post or submit articles for publication, you write something. Right? 

Aha! You agree with me that you're indeed a writer. 

Writing is an outflow, the expression of one's personality. I believe writing is a matter of the heart because it shows one's character. And integrity is a character that must be worked into our personalities. It doesn't exactly happen suddenly. It takes conscious effort to be a person of integrity. Sometimes we miss it and have to get back on track by asking God to forgive us. But, if we become too careless and neglect the need to be very responsible, truthful, and trustworthy individuals, we'll not "get there".

I have highlighted 10 mindful ways to maintain integrity in your writing as well as in your speaking. . .

1. Never say what you can't defend. Don't say in someone's absence what you can't say in his presence.

2. Speak only when your words are needed and important to the discussion. Be silent when they will not be helpful.

3. Be positive in your comment as much as possible. Be a sweetheart.

4. Be mindful of flattery and exaggerated praise. You might lose respect.

5. Express full acknowledgement to whom you are indebted for ideas. Show gratitude.

6. Avoid plagiarism. I strongly detest this act of dishonesty and betrayal. Be original in your creative expressions.

7. Never criticize the motive of others. You cannot know everything. Always give the benefit of the doubt.

8. Be totally honest in everything you say. Speak to inspire, to help, to love.

9. Beware of over generalization. Be accurate in reporting statistics and descriptions.

10. Ask God to help you guard your tongue and guide your words. It will be counted as sin if you write/speak carelessly.

The world is watching.

"I tell you that men will have to give account on the day of judgement for every careless word they have spoken. For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned." - Matthew 12:36-37

Your word is a product of what's within your heart - Good fruits or bad fruits. While the former gives you justification, the latter gives you condemnation.

I am a Christian. And I believe those who visit my blog are Christians (and soon-to-be Christians). It is important that we maintain integrity in all that we say and do. The world is watching. O_O

Alrightie, let's now call this; 'The Editorial Guidelines for Heart Rays.' Yeah! *grins*

Can you figure out why this tweet lacks integrity? 1 & 5. 

Posted by Nwamaka Ajaegbu 

Follow on Twitter: @Amakamedia

Email: amakamedia@yahoo.com

Heart Rays . . .giving out  the light.