Integrity
“The integrity of the upright guides them, but the unfaithful are destroyed by their duplicity.” Proverbs 11:3
The dictionary defines integrity as “the state of being of sound moral principal; uprightness, honesty, and sincerity”. When we have integrity, our words and our actions match up. We are who we are, no matter where we are or who we are with! Integrity is not what we do so much as who we are. And who we are, in turn, determines what we do.
Did you know that each of us has a “navigating system” that guides us? It establishes priorities in our lives and tells us what we will accept or reject. We are ALL faced with conflicting desires. And unfortunately, no one can avoid this battle! INTEGRITY is what determines which desire will win out!
Take a minute to think about our culture… Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Magazines, TV, movies… they are all about promoting an image! However, IMAGE IS WHAT PEOPLE THINK WE ARE. INTEGRITY IS WHAT WE REALLY ARE.
Three questions we can ask ourselves to determine if we are into image building instead of integrity building:
- CONSISTENCY: Are we the same person no matter who we are with? Yes or No?
- CHOICES: Do we make decisions that are best for others when another choice would benefit us? Yes or No?
- CREDIT: Are we quick to recognize others for their efforts and success? Yes or No?
Thomas McCauley once said, “The measure of a man’s real character is what he would do if he would never be found out.” That is powerful! It is a true test to who we are!
Unfortunately, integrity is not just something we all have or can be given. It is a result of self-discipline, and the DECISION to be RELENTLESSLY HONEST in ALL situations in our lives. Billy Graham said it this way… “Integrity is the glue that holds our way of life together. We must constantly strive to keep our integrity in tact. When wealth is lost, nothing is lost; when health is lost, something is lost; but when character is lost, all is lost.”
Regardless of whether we are in the privacy of our own home or sitting on the sincerity bench with Libby, remember this:
Reputation is what people THINK you are. Personality is what you SEEM to be. But, character is what you REALLY are!