Integrity~

September 2, 2013  

 Integrity

“Integrity is the #1 most important characteristic for performance leaders.  As I remind young people, integrity is one of those few things in life that can’t be taken from you – you can only give it away” (The Global Ripple).  That statement is very loud.  “…can’t be taken from you – you can only give it away” Integrity according to Webster is: 1.) Completeness 2.) Unimpaired condition; soundness. 3.) Honesty, sincerity, etc.

When you contradict what you say, integrity is not being exhibited.  When someone is not being honest in actions, behavior, or speech; then they are not demonstrating integrity.  God will expose you when you are not walking in integrity, and He will use other trusted friends to help you see this.  “He who walks with integrity walks securely, But he who perverts his ways will become known” (Proverbs 10:9). 

When people say “Don’t question my integrity”, a red flag goes up.  If one is walking in integrity, then that thought should not even enter into the mind; or even come to the surface, therefore, I immediately question.  Why the insecurity?  Why the defense?  Why the need to voice that statement?  Just walk in integrity, and don’t worry what others say.  People who live their lives in integrity will be truthful at all times.   

There is nothing worth sacrificing our integrity.  “Better is the poor who walks in his integrity than one perverse in his ways, though he be rich” (Proverbs 28:6).  In every situation in life, we should remain honest and sincere.  “in all things showing yourself to be a pattern of good works, in doctrine showing integrity, reverence, incorruptibility, sound speech that cannot be condemned, that one who is an opponent may be ashamed, having nothing evil to say about you” (Titus: 2: 7-8).  More people will learn from our actions than what we proclaim with our mouths.  It is vitally important to make sure that our actions line up with what we state our morals and values to be.  When we let sin reign, we destroy integrity (and often harm others).  When we practice things contradictory to what we proclaim our beliefs to be, we compromise integrity.  Losing integrity is easy!  Regaining it is extremely difficult, and takes a lot of hard work.  With God’s help, remorse, and repentance, one can begin to reclaim integrity.  “As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten.  Therefore be zealous and repent” (Revelation 3:19).  “The integrity of the upright will guide them, But the perversity of the unfaithful will destroy them” (Proverbs 11:3).  “Better is the poor who walks in integrity than one who is perverse in his lips, and is a fool” (Proverbs 19:1)  “Counsel in the heart of man is like deep water, But a man of understanding will draw it out.  Most men will proclaim each his own goodness, But who can find a faithful man?  The righteous man walks in his integrity: His children are blessed after him” (Proverbs 20: 5-7).  

The Bible is full of examples of how important our integrity is; your integrity is important!  Are you credible?  Do your actions line up with your words/beliefs?  Do people respect you?  If any of the answers are no, then it is time to examine yourself, repent, and restore integrity, relationships, and your personal health.

Father God, thank You for love and grace.  Please fill me to overflowing with Your Holy Spirit.  Empty me of me, and fill me with You, so that my integrity will remain intact.   May I always be receptive to You.  Thank You for loving me enough to chasten me when I fail.   Keep my eyes open, and my heart softened to Your ways.  In Jesus Name, Amen.