THE LAW OF INTEGRITY II
Psalm 25:20-21
We are still considering this matter of Integrity. The Cambridge dictionary defines integrity as the quality of being honest and having strong moral principles. Other words with similar meanings, amongst others, are uprightness, honour, good character, righteousness, trustworthiness, sincerity and truthfulness. Integrity is everything. A life that is not based on integrity will not last; it will eventually collapse like a pack of cards.
The pre-eminence of integrity is mentioned in many parts of the Bible. The Psalmist says in Psalm 25:21 “Let integrity and uprightness preserve me; for I wait on thee”. Solomon advises us “The righteous man walks in his integrity; his children are blessed after him”. (Proverbs 20:7), and “The integrity of the upright will guide them.
Integrity is a very important virtue to have in life because it helps you to become a good person. When you have integrity, you are more likely to make good decision, treat others with respect, and be successful in life. A person has integrity when they stringently and consistently adhere to their own set of values. The benefits of having personal integrity and maintaining integrity in relationships are that it demonstrates one’s strength of character and motivates others to trust that individual.
A story was told about a preacher who went to hold a crusade in a town. When he boarded a bus, the bus driver deliberately added to the change he gave to him. Initially, the preacher thought of keeping the money, after all it wasn’t his fault. But by the time he was getting off, he returned the extra money to the bus driver. It was then that the bus driver told him that he recognised him as the new preacher and deliberately gave him more than his change to test him. The driver now said he would be attending his church because of what he just did. That is what integrity does; it makes you earn the trust of others.
Wherever we find ourselves, whether it is convenient or not, let us maintain our integrity. Whether people see us or not, let us do what is right.
MEDITATION: Matching your words with your action is Integrity.
