If there is one character trait that is sadly and sorely missed today it is integrity. Plain, old-fashioned honesty. Disagree? I double-dog-dare you to prove I’m wrong. Sorry. You lose! 🙂
I wish it weren’t so. It used to be a man’s word was his bond. A handshake was enough to seal a deal. A verbal “Yes” was enough to put a deal to rest. We didn’t need 200 sheets of paper filled with legalese that only lawyers can understand. Maybe…
There is a story of a pastor who boarded the bus, and after he took his seat, realized the driver had given him too much change. While some would consider that their good fortune, this pastor came to his stop and told the driver that he made a mistake and gave him too much change. The driver responded: “I didn’t make a mistake. I was in church last night and heard you speak on honesty and wanted to see if you practiced what you preached.” (Side note: I would be in trouble because I tend to pocket my change immediately, often not even counting it. I trust the cashiers to give me the right change. Hmmm. Guess I’ll have to rethink that approach). 🙂
Living with integrity these days is a challenge. It is not the norm. Sure we have our leadership gurus who talk about it and stress its importance, but it often hits deaf ears. It is a known and much-needed quality. But just because we know it doesn’t mean we do it.
I once read a quote by humorist Will Rogers: “So live that you wouldn’t mind selling your pet parrot to the town gossip.” That made me chuckle and think at the same time.
Mr. Businessman or Ms. Businesswoman. Pastor. Nurse. Doctor. Teacher. Student. Whatever you do, do it with honesty and integrity. It is sometimes hard to do so, and sometimes tempting not to, but so worth it in the end.
I would definitely fail in the integrity department, and have so many times. I keep thinking of Moses when it comes to integrity. Talk about trying to move a boulder the size of a house. Like you said.. It is a challenge, especially when it comes to the Christian walk.
I guess it all comes down to walking the narrow path?
We have all fallen Ed. I’d like to say I have always been honest and have the right motives but i would be a liar. 🙂 And yes, it comes from following Jesus on that narrow path.
This reminds me of something my dad used to always say: there are a lot of things in life you cannot control, but one thing you always have control over is your word. Tell the truth, and stand behind your word, always make your words something that someone can count on. Being a man of your word is far more important than any amount of money you might make. I have always thought about that, no one ever says thanks for lying to me. We can control our words, we have dominion over them, the only person responsible for what we say, is us. Being a person with integrity and honesty and someone people can count on is far more important than anything else I own. The Bible backs all of that up.
your dad was a wise man Gail. that is great advice. And you are right, no one says thanks for lying to them.
I think we all have failed a time or two… or 100. Thankful for a grace giving and forgiving God that continues to work on me. I am not complete and won’t be this side of heaven. That said, I should strive to be a man of integrity and honor with my actions and words. I also like Gail’s response… Wise words.
Striving to be a man of integrity is essential Ryan. To stop trying means you either are giving up or think you have arrived. I prefer to keep striving.
This reminded me of Nathaneal in the Bible and how Jesus said he was an Israelite in whom there was no guile. It also made me think of what the Apostle Paul said about living in such a way that he would have a conscience void of offense toward God and man. Very convicting indeed. Thank you, Pastor Bill, for your inspired, anointed posts. They minister to me every time.
Two great examples Cheryl of what it means to be a person of integrity and one who “stands out.” Thanks also for the kind words.