BUILDING INTEGRITY

BUILDING INTEGRITY

I would like to define integrity as a consistent set of actions, values, principles, and outcomes that show a person’s honesty and trustworthiness. Consistency is the key here. It is not just being honest in one area, but in all areas. It is not just being truthful today, but everyday. In short, a person of integrity is someone who has proven over time that she is someone you can rely on. There is a consistent track record. Trust is built over time and integrity is the key to winning this trust. A person with integrity will automatically win people’s respect. She doesn’t even have to try too hard. People will know because of the consistency they have seen and continue to see in her. God Himself honors integrity in His people. Proverbs 2:7 says: He is a shield to those who walk uprightly and in integrity. What do people of integrity have that those without don’t have? What character traits do they possess? What led them to be people of integrity? People of integrity have strong and solid moral values. They are very aware of how their actions affect the way people look at them. They value their reputation and guard it safely. They are forward looking and know how to carefully chart their course. They think before they act and exercise wisdom in their decisions. Integrity is built through time through a series of consistent actions that reflect honesty and stability. When you have integrity, people will trust you because they know that you will do as you say. As true believers of Jesus Christ, people expect us to have this integrity. Unfortunately, most of the time, it’s the other way around. A lot of Christians disgrace the name of our Lord by being worse than those who do not know the Lord. This should not be the case. A person who claims to be a true believer (meaning, she has totally surrendered herself to Jesus Christ, has turned back from her old life, has a personal relationship with Jesus, loves Jesus, and obeys His Word and commands) should have a far greater capacity for building integrity since she is leaning on the most solid principles that God Himself has set. As Christians we have to realize that it is not just our reputation that we are protecting but the name of our Lord Jesus Christ who we are representing. If we continue to walk in integrity, then those of the outside world will take our message more seriously. Building integrity comes more natural for others, while more difficult for some. A person who has had a history of criminal records will find it very challenging to even establish integrity. Not only will people doubt his credibility but he will have to change his entire mindset. Romans 12:2 says: Do not be conformed to this world (this age), but be transformed (changed) by the [entire] renewal of your mind. The best way to renew the mind is to align it with the Word of God. Below are several Scriptures that will help you have a mindset of integrity. 2 Corinthians 8:21 For we aim at what is honorable not only in the Lord's sight but also in the sight of man. Romans 12:17 Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. 2 Corinthians 4:2 But we have renounced disgraceful, underhanded ways. We refuse to practice cunning or to tamper with God's word, but by the open statement of the truth we would commend ourselves to everyone's conscience in the sight of God. Matthew 5:37 Let what you say be simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’; anything more than this comes from evil. 1 Peter 2:12 Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation. Being honorable ... renouncing disgraceful ways ... clear conscience ... consistency ... these are the character traits that God wants His children to have. If we bear this in mind, and if we truly love God and obey His Word, then we will live lives that exhibit integrity. Then we will not only win the approval of men but of God. And people will not only commend and respect us but will recognize who our God is. ~Lisa Maki~