Either you have it or you don’t.
The definition of integrity is: steadfast adherence to a strict moral or ethical code: Incorruptibility; soundness; unimpaired condition; completeness;
In our lives we come to many crossroads that don’t seem to be monumental at the time, but in reality can affect our whole lives. For example; as a youth playing a game, you can score the winning point, when asked if the opponent tagged you out and you say no, when in fact he did. You have opened the door to losing your integrity for a sliver of glory that no one will ever remember. But the damage is done, and the next time you lie it will be easier. Or how about you are out Christmas shopping and the clerk gives you too much change. Do you take the money back and tell her the mistake, or do you pocket the money and plan on buying an extra gift with it? If she shorted you, would you say something then?
Do you cheat on your taxes or lie to you neighbors? Where is the line drawn between black and white; right and wrong? It is called integrity. Either you have it or you don’t. I am not saying it is easy to the right thing all the time, but the rewards are endless. You feel better about yourself and others think more highly of you. There are people who can’t tell the truth if it was scripted for them. It is almost as if they are missing the gene that controls that portion of their brain. The problem is, it becomes like the little boy who cried ‘wolf’ to the point no one believed him, and when the wolf came, they were all in peril. Your truth-telling may not always make you popular, but it will make you respected and dependable. The best way, to keep your integrity intact, is by trying to follow the Ten Commandments as closely as possible. After all, they were given to us for just that purpose, to guide us through life, and to avoid the pitfalls we don’t see clearly.
As parents it would be remiss of you not to teach your children the Ten
Commandments. Would you put them in a boat without a life vest? Then why would you send them out into the world without the proper tools to live their best life? Think about it! Read the Word with them. It will benefit you both!
We as writers have the privilege to showcase integrity in our writings as a quality that everyone respects and desires. Let it be fashioned after our own practice of integrity. It is always easier to write something of which we are familiar.
He that walketh uprightly walketh surely: but he that perverteth his ways shall be known.
Proverbs 10:9
The integrity of the upright shall guide them: but the perverseness of transgressors shall destroy them.
Proverbs 11:3
The integrity of the upright shall guide them: but the perverseness of transgressors shall destroy them.
Proverbs- Better [is] the poor that walketh in his integrity, than [he that is] perverse in his lips, and is a fool.
Proverbs 19:1
Better is the poor that walketh in his uprightness, than he that is perverse in his ways, though he be rich.
Proverbs 28:6