The integrity of the upright guides them, but the unfaithful are destroyed by their duplicity. Proverbs 11:3
“I is what I is and not what I ain’t...copied
Integrity is defined as being honest and having strong moral principles. At our house, we like to say integrity is being honest even when no one is looking.
If I say that the first six months of 2020 have been strange, it would be an understatement. The world as we know it has morphed into one that I hardly recognize – from masks, to social distancing, to closures, illnesses and even deaths of friends, race riots, unethical business practices, constant bickering from members of Congress, murders, and police disrespect. I find myself starting conversations with, “Please tell me something good that is happening in your life. Tell me there are still people out there with integrity.”
Bishop Will Willimon tells the story of an interview he had with a law firm after his graduation from law school. They liked him, and he liked them, and as the conversation progressed, he realized he had the job. Then, the conversation turned to a questionable partnership the company had made. Although, the company insisted that although the partnership might be unethical, it wasn’t illegal. When Willimon expressed his objection, he didn’t get the job. He says he’s not sorry because it gave him a chance to review his feelings, his ethics, and his integrity.
This might be a great time for all of us to review our responsibility to show integrity in this crazy new world.
In the midst of my prayer that there are still people of integrity, we had a good thing happen this past week, and I still marvel at how it all came together. We had a refund check from insurance issued in the amount of $62.10. Randy went to the bank to cash it, put it in the teller’s drawer with his license, and sent it to her. When the teller opened the drawer, the license was there but no check. A thorough search still provided no check. Five days later (after we had abandoned any hope of ever seeing that money again) a letter arrived in the mail with the return address from Atlanta Braves club. I opened the letter and found these words, “I found this check while jogging on Johnson Ferry Road.” The check, though a bit worse for the wear, was there. The person left no signature, but I can imagine he/she is a person of huge integrity.
Integrity is a habit. It is comprised of people who just want to always do the right thing. Telling part of the truth to get a job is unethical, finding a check and getting it back to its owner is integrity, honesty, and kindness.
Habits are of our own making. The habit of telling part of the truth is unethical and spins a web of deceit. We need to all get in the habit of using the powerful word “NO” in unethical situations. NO, I won’t compromise who I am; NO, I won’t take part in something that is below me; NO, I won’t change my beliefs because they are unpopular; NO, I won’t go there or do that because I know it’s wrong; NO, I will not stand by and watch people break the laws of the land; NO, I won’t watch my constitutional rights being taken away; NO, I will not tolerate the adage, “What can one person do?” The truth is, the initiative of deeply caring people provide the firmament of our democracy.
If we look back over history, we will discover that almost all movements that really matter started with one or two people. One voice becomes two, then ten, and then thousands. Far too many of us underestimate the power of our voice and the strength of our ideals. When we put aside the pessimistic attitude, our true strength and voice emerges.
Once we do that, we break the habit or the prison and we are free to claim the power of integrity that God offers. We are made in the image of God, and if we remember that, it helps us speak with power, authority, and integrity when we are challenged.
God can take the chaos in this world and restore order. He can make sense of all the senseless things that are happening. He just needs the people of integrity to help get the Word out to the world who desperately needs to know.
Honesty and integrity are absolutely essential for success in life – all areas of life. The really good news is that anyone can develop them. Zig Ziglar
The truth is rarely pure and never simple. Oscar Wilde
Thank you so much, Diane. Once again you have shared your thoughts on such important things for us to ponder in life’s journey, and this morning, it’s integrity.
How wonderful to be reminded of what integrity really means. It reminds me of a Real Estate Developer I worked for, and he was always speaking of his own integrity, but I knew better, because I knew of how he had dealt with others in business. However, the way he was, never effected how I dealt with my customers. Interesting, how personal experiences will come to mind in hearing yours.
Diane, You and Randy, Have a wonderful week. Love in Christ, JoAnn
This was great as usual. Sure gives us a lot to think about. Many times we have to say NO even though it may be difficult!