October 1, 2012
Integrity
“In matters of style, swim the current; in matters of principle, stand like a rock.”
- Thomas Jefferson
Lord, who shall abide in thy tabernacle? who shall dwell in thy holy hill? He that walketh uprightly, and worketh righteousness, and speaketh the truth in his heart. He that backbiteth not with his tongue, nor doeth evil to his neighbour, nor taketh up a reproach against his neighbour. In whose eyes a vile person is contemned; but he honoureth them that fear the Lord. He that sweareth to his own hurt, and changeth not.
Psalms 15:1-4
Integrity is that quality of character, presence and nature that gives credibility to the thing a person might say or do. Integrity means you say what you mean and mean what you say.
Recently I have read on face book posts this idiom, ‘live in such a way that if someone says something bad about you: no one will believe it.’
To accomplish this endeavor successfully requires one to have integrity.
As Christians we need to have integrity with God too. Spiritual integrity requires that we be forthright with God: that we be steadfast in our commitments: and that we be resolved and attentive to our endeavors to follow His word and keep His commandments.
In establishing, maintaining and keeping our integrity, especially our spiritual integrity, we need to remember it is not subjugated to the opinions or ideals of others but is rather needful of the approval of God.
Integrity should be a desired attribute: a sought after characteristic and an established goal that we each strive for and attempt to attain: especially before God.
Today’s Prayer
Father, integrity is much easier to talk about that it is to achieve and maintain: help me to do both.
“Purify my heart
Let me be as gold
And precious silver
Purify my heart
Cleanse me from within
And make me holy
Refiner’s fire
My hearts one desire
Is to be holy
Set apart for You my Master
Ready to do your will.“
- Lyrics from ‘Refiner’s Fire’ by Brian Doerksen
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