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in·teg·ri·ty noun \in-ˈte-grə-tē\
A word that
has been rolling around in my head for several days is the word INTEGRITY. Webster’s defines the word as being in an unimpaired
condition or soundness of mind, the state of being complete or undivided. It further states that integrity is the firm adherence
to a code of especially moral or artistic values: incorruptibility. All of this sounds good but it begs the
question how do people really see me? Do
they see me as a bold woman of God, full
of INTEGRITY, sold out for Christ, walking and talking what I believe?
Here is the key.
There are many people watching your every move whether you think so or
not. I don’t spend a whole lot of time
thinking about other's opinions. Doing so makes one quite crazy, incomplete with
a divided mind not to mention easily swayed.
But I am aware that there are people watching to see if what I profess
as my faith makes a difference in my life.
12 Having your conversation
honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers,
they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of
visitation.
1 Peter 2:12 KJV
It was pointed out to me some years ago that people don’t take just a passing glance in your direction but they generally take a long hard look to
see if our behavior matches your belief.
Folks want to know if that same holiness I display on Sunday carries
over into the week when I am not in church.
In other words, they are looking to see if I have integrity.
29 The way of the Lord is
strength to the upright: but destruction shall be to the workers of iniquity.
Proverbs 10:29 KJV
People with integrity:
Have nothing to hide
Have nothing to fear
Know how to keep their eyes on Christ – the model
of integrity
Know that integrity is the hallmark of their Christian
walk – they walk the walk and talk the talk
Are honest and of good report
Know themselves and have a clear vision as to
what is good for them and what is not – in other words, they know how to flee
from situations that can cause them to stumble
They own
their mistakes and short comings (a mature mind knows how to not blame someone
else for something they did or did not do)
Recognize that yielding to those in authority is
not a sign of weakness but a genuine sign of self- control - “my way or the
highway” does not fit every situation
Know that their word is their bond and they stand for
what is right at ALL times
They don’t ask why is this happening but ask
God what they are to learn from it
Remember “The whole world is watching”.
I pray that my own integrity will be strengthened as I am tested in this
area daily. As people watch me, I pray that my character matches my confession
and that I will be a witness for Christ in all things that I do. Do you have enough integrity to trust the
Lord and lean not to your own understanding?
Seriously?
©Debi Mason, 2014, Oakland, CA, USA Reference:
What do people see in you? By Rick Ezell, 2005
#aginggracefully #soulwriter #whatithoughtwassojustaint
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