We are all constantly bombarded with choices. Every day brings its own set of decisions between doing what we know to be right or doing what we see as convenient. And it's those choices that carry long term consequences. The difference between doing what is "convenient" and doing what's "right" will last a lifetime.
I understand integrity to be something that you do when nobody's watching you. It's doing the right thing all the time, even when it works to your disadvantage. It's keeping your word even when it puts you out. It is the internal compass that keeps us pointed in the right direction even when there is plenty of things trying to pull you away from your intended purpose. It isn't your reputation - that is the public perception of your integrity and that isn't always accurate. Other people determine your reputation, but only you can determine your integrity. Integrity will keep you focused on the goal.
When you have integrity, other people know they can count on you no matter what. That if you tell them you will do something it gets done. A teammate with integrity can be trusted to prepare for the upcoming game and know his assignments inside and out. A business partner with integrity can be counted on to deal with money honestly and people respectfully. A marriage partner with integrity can be trusted to be faithful and to be "all in" for better or worse, not just for the "better" part. You know they will be there even when it gets hard. A good friend that has integrity can be depended on to keep his or her word and to stick with you through thick and thin. They won't run away from the battle you face they will be in the fox hole next to you.
Integrity touches every area of your life, not just for now but in the long race that is our lives. And it can sometimes seem like a rare commodity in our fallen world that we live in. But the choices of a person with integrity become not only a blessing for them but for everyone that they come in contact with. Integrity is an inward character trait with an outward consequence that makes a lasting difference in your life. It isn't always easy to do but if you approach everything you do with the integrity that we are supposed to, it will bless you and others around you.
"He who walks blamelessly and does what is right and speaks truth in his heart; who does not slander with his tongue and does no evil to his neighbor, nor takes up a reproach against his friend, in whose eyes a vile person is despised, but who honors those who fear the Lord; who swears to his own and does not change; who does not put money at interest and does not take a bribe against the innocent. He who does these things shall never be moved." Psalm 15:2-5 ESV
I understand integrity to be something that you do when nobody's watching you. It's doing the right thing all the time, even when it works to your disadvantage. It's keeping your word even when it puts you out. It is the internal compass that keeps us pointed in the right direction even when there is plenty of things trying to pull you away from your intended purpose. It isn't your reputation - that is the public perception of your integrity and that isn't always accurate. Other people determine your reputation, but only you can determine your integrity. Integrity will keep you focused on the goal.
When you have integrity, other people know they can count on you no matter what. That if you tell them you will do something it gets done. A teammate with integrity can be trusted to prepare for the upcoming game and know his assignments inside and out. A business partner with integrity can be counted on to deal with money honestly and people respectfully. A marriage partner with integrity can be trusted to be faithful and to be "all in" for better or worse, not just for the "better" part. You know they will be there even when it gets hard. A good friend that has integrity can be depended on to keep his or her word and to stick with you through thick and thin. They won't run away from the battle you face they will be in the fox hole next to you.
Integrity touches every area of your life, not just for now but in the long race that is our lives. And it can sometimes seem like a rare commodity in our fallen world that we live in. But the choices of a person with integrity become not only a blessing for them but for everyone that they come in contact with. Integrity is an inward character trait with an outward consequence that makes a lasting difference in your life. It isn't always easy to do but if you approach everything you do with the integrity that we are supposed to, it will bless you and others around you.
"He who walks blamelessly and does what is right and speaks truth in his heart; who does not slander with his tongue and does no evil to his neighbor, nor takes up a reproach against his friend, in whose eyes a vile person is despised, but who honors those who fear the Lord; who swears to his own and does not change; who does not put money at interest and does not take a bribe against the innocent. He who does these things shall never be moved." Psalm 15:2-5 ESV
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