In Christ

Integrity – Unfortunately we see so little of it today. What does it mean?

Webster's dictionary defines it as: 1) uncompromising adherence to moral and ethical principles; soundness of moral character; honesty 2) the state of being whole or entire 3) a sound or unimpaired condition.

This sound or unimpaired condition reminds me of the word sincerity. To be sincere is to have been examined and proven. You are free of deceit, you are genuine and real.

Would this describe many of the people you know? I hope it does! After all, the character of close friends we "hang out with” is going to rub off onto us! At the same time, we should always keep in mind that no one is perfect, but what does their character portray most of the time?

Integrity is doing the right thing, because it's right, even when no one is looking!

Integrity of heart should not just happen when people are around, but when we are alone as well, because God sees it all!

Do you hear a great idea spoken by a co-worker and go to your supervisor with it, yet act like it was you who came up with the idea? Integrity would give credit where credit is due. If you found $5.00 (or any amount of money) on the floor in your office would you quietly put it in your pocket? If you were integral you would ask if anyone had lost any money!

Many decisions we make on a daily basis may not seem like a big deal to us, but they are. Making the wrong decisions in situations like these time after time actually hardens our hearts over time. I like the description of "cauterizing” your heart. Soon you aren't able to feel the leading of the Lord (or your conscience) at all! When this happens it's so much easier to ignore the Lord on even more important matters, and soon you're going down a completely wrong path for your life. We often look at hardened criminals or just grumpy people in general and ask, "How did they ever get to this point in their life?” Well it's usually just one small decision at a time!

The great news is we don't have to stay in this place. All it takes is a simple decision to change our direction (repent) and ask God to soften our hearts, it is then He can lead us on His great plan for our lives! Then, we must start to obey His promptings when they come. It is always simple but not always easy to do.

Proverbs 11:3 states "The integrity of the upright shall guide them, but the willful contrariness and crookedness of the treacherous shall destroy them.” (amplified Bible) Proverbs 19:1 says "Better is a poor man who walks in his integrity than a rich man who is perverse in his speech and is a [self-confident] fool.” (Amplified Bible) Proverbs 20:7 "The godly walk with integrity; blessed are their children who follow them” (New Living Bible)

Submitted by Pastor Rena Mae