Either you have it or you don’t.
Webster’s dictionary defines integrity as: Steadfast adherence to a strict moral or ethical code: a leader of great integrity.
2. The state of being unimpaired; soundness: The building’s integrity remained intact following the mild earthquake.
3. The quality or condition of being whole or undivided; completeness: replaced a lost book to restore the integrity of his collection.
When we become a Christian we become a new creature. That means we must do things differently than we use to. Integrity is learning what God wants us to do, and trying to live more like Him. Integrity is a oneness between our character and God’s. This sameness results in greater purity of our hearts, minds, and behaviour. We don’t develop integrity overnight, it is the process of making the right choices in life. When you face a decision and feel that it wouldn’t matter if you cut a few corners, that is when you need to stop and think, “will this add or detract from my character or integrity?” If the answer is yes, or even maybe, you need to rethink what you are about to do. Each and every decision you make impacts your integrity, and your oneness with God’s will. The pressures of everyday life, and troubles, test your integrity. When this happens, you need to stop and ask God to give you wisdom and strength to make the right decisions. Staying in the Word will help you find the lighted path to a closer walk with God.
Recently I have been tested to lash out at some people who have been ruthless and misinformed in their speech. When I stand back, and give it over to God I keep from making a poor decision that may comprise my integrity, and bring me down to the level of the misinformed. By acting and not reacting, I made a wiser decision, and one I can easily live with.
As a mother, and Grandmother, it is important that I do not compromise my faith by reacting to radical people who just want to spread their venomous poison, because the minute I do, I lose my creditability and become just like them. You never know who is watching you and who will be influenced by your behaviour. Always err on the side of caution, then you will never have to make retractions, or have to backwater on your statements. Remain above the fray!
As parents we must live a life of integrity and dignity, so our children and grandchildren will know what those qualities look like. It is the way to live a Christian life with no regrets, or wishing we had a do-over. To live like Christ should be our objective in life and we should never compromise our core values!
We as authors are some of the worst when it comes to compromising to get the biggest scoop, or juiciest stories. These actions will have consequences, I only hope the price is not too high. Remember the old saying, ‘if you lie down with dogs, you will get up with fleas!’ Remain above the fray, and use your intelligence to comment instead of someone else’s hate talk and rhetoric.
“He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much.”
Luke 16:10
“I know also, my God, that thou triest the heart, and hast pleasure in uprightness. As for me, in the uprightness of mine heart I have willingly offered all these things: and now have I seen with joy thy people, which are present here, to offer willingly unto thee.”
I Chronicles 29:17
Judge me, O LORD; for I have walked in mine integrity: I have trusted also in the LORD; therefore I shall not slide.
Examine me, O LORD, and prove me; try my reins and my heart.
For thy lovingkindness is before mine eyes: and I have walked in thy truth.
Psalms 26:1-3
The just man walketh in his integrity: his children are blessed after him.
Proverbs 20:7
The integrity of the upright shall guide them: but the perverseness of transgressors shall destroy them.
Proverbs 11:3