INTEGRITY
Having integrity today in our society is a rare trait. The definition of Integrity is: Completeness, soundness, wholeness of character, the quality of being honest, the putting on of armor. We live in a very "eye for an eye" world today. Many are out for their own interests and live to only please themselves. It is rare to come across someone who has the trait of Integrity. Having integrity is to do the right thing when nobody is watching. Christians who are living for Jesus should exercise this trait since we live for an audience of ONE and we know that God the Father sees everything. In the Bible we find in the book of Job what is said about Integrity.
And if you are pure and live with integrity, he will surely rise up and restore your happy home.
-Job 8:6
We have the Holy Spirit dwelling inside of us and we do not want to grieve him. We have a duty as an ambassador of Jesus Christ to represent Jesus wherever we go and carry ourselves with Integrity.
The godly walk with integrity; blessed are their children who follow them. - Proverbs 20:7
Do you want your children to be blessed? Then walk with integrity. We need to lead by example and take the extra time and effort to teach/mold/and guide our children. We cannot rely on schools to do it, church to do it, etc. It ALL starts in our homes!! Parents, put down the phones, turn off the tv and spend QUALITY time with your children. Show them that they are MORE important. Do the right thing!!
How do we maintain integrity? We are to have a FULL AWARENESS at all times!! When we mess up (because we are) we are called to repent quickly.
But I am not like that; I live with integrity. So redeem me and show me mercy. -Psalm 26:11
We are to have that mirror up at all times and constantly be fully aware of our actions and behavior. It is so easy to pick apart others, but let's practice holding that mirror up to see our own reflection.
We need to do this one step at a time. This is not a sprint, but a race that we need to endure and finish strong.
Declare me innocent, O Lord, for I have acted with integrity. - Psalm 26:1
We need to have a healthy support system and now have friends that are toxic. Do you have others that better you as a Man or Woman? These are important things to ask yourself when it comes to your group of friends.
I can honestly say I have 3 true friends that I rely on. It is Quality not Quantity.
We need to be bold in our faith walk and declare it!!
He is a shield to those who walk with integrity. -Proverbs 2:7
We are to not step out of the house without our FULL ARMOR ON. We need to be prepared for what the day has in store.
Here are a few practical easy steps to follow:
- Listen MORE than speaking
- Don't take things personal
- Be the first to say sorry
- Maintaining peace is MORE important than being right
- Spend quality time with your children and talk about Jesus
- Talk to God Daily
- Understand you are NOT perfect, that is what Jesus is for!
