Integrity. The word is scary. Its more scarier than running from Jason, Micheal Myers and Freddy Kruger in the same nightmare. I once heard a preacher say that integrity is the thing that you do when you are not being watched by people. Yet, we know that God sees everything. God sees everything, knows everything and most sobering, He knows our hearts. So often our hearts betray us. Their thoughts assault our minds daily. As a Christian, I can personally say that this is one of greatest challenges.
Adam, in the garden hid himself after disobeying God. How horrible must Adam felt when he realized he blew it. Apparently, his knowledge of who His creator was, became damaged because he believed that he could hide. So often that is what we do. Personally, there are days when I think about just wanting to give up. The Christian walk is simple yet difficult at the same time. At the end of the day, you must make a conscious decision. To go forward or go backwards.
At the job I currently have, I am a vendor for a BP. One of the divisions at BP is called Integrity. This division is design to make sure that the equipment that BP uses is fully operational and the equipment doesn't show any flaws. The company wants to be sure that the materials used cannot not be compromised. Sometimes, as individuals you have to do the same for yourself. If you are not careful, you can allow your integrity to be compromised. Truthfully, Satan prods your character to see if their are any flaws or compromising in your character.
Think about the Titanic. It was the ship that could not be sunk. The creators and owners of the Titanic bet their life on that boast. They believed that the density and durability of the ship could withstand anything. However, they did not bet that an iceberg unseen below in the waters would in fact sink the ship. So often its the unseen things that kill. Watch yourself because your integrity can be compromised if not cautious.
The last thing I will say is that, too often integrity is an afterthought. It is after a person recieves the news that they are HIV positive that they begin to reflect on why they chose not to wear or use condoms. Its after a person recieves a 25 year sentence to prison they begin to reflect on why they chose to make a terrible decision. Its is like the saying in the movie Carlito's Way, hell often is the truth learned to late. God help us all to realize the truth before its too late. You have to train yourself, discipline, and tell yourself no to certain things. Whatever you feed will live and whatever you starve will die. Your flesh and its carnal passions are not different. It is what it is.
3 comments:
I appreciated the post. It made me think ... and I have a question.
I understand the importance of integrity ... and I really detest having mine questioned. When my integrity is judged, especially unfairly, as I feel it is a direct reflection of my character I become upset and feel the need to vehemently explain myself.
Should I? If someone perceives my integrity to be something other than it really is, should I educate them or let them continue with their faulty thinking?
Sometimes clarifying that person's assumption does help the situation, but whether the situation is helped or not, I feel that I'm still frustrated and I'm wasting energy.
What do you think?
Personally speaking I think you should speak your peace and then let it alone completely. People can and do insult your intelligence from time to time but that does not mean that your integrity is compromised but challenged. The best way to meet such a challenge is to continue in your integrity and let them think whatever. People are going to believe what ever it is they believe. Your position should be not to move from that spot period. Sometimes when are integrity is questioned we can feel uneasy about it. However, actions speak louder than words. Therefore, you make your case more concrete by simply doing what you have been doing. Listen in detail what people are saying and go behind the words to discern the real issue. Is the issue really what is upfront or is their a hidden agenda? Sometimes when people accuse you of this and that, it is because they are ticked at you not doing what they want you to do. Whatever, the case is stay strong, speak you peace on it and let it go. You can educate people by displaying your character. There is no need to publicize your integrity by explaining to people (who, chances are have made up their minds as to what they of you). The struggle is theirs, not yours. If you know that your integrity is solid then it will stand up to any challenge or test. Remember, integrity is the thing you do outside the presence of people. So, at the end of the day, it is really what "you" know about yourself and not others.
Thank you.
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