Living with Integrity

by Melissa J | More from this Blogger

05 Nov 2006 01:08 AM

This blog is based off the 4th session in the Values that Last series. What does integrity mean to you? Having integrity is having a good solid stand in regard to morality and ethics. A person of integrity is more likely to stand out, move ahead and gain the respect of those around them. The Bible states in 1 Chronicles 29:17 that God is pleased with integrity. People with integrity are those who integrate values into how they live. In looking at areas in my own life, the following are ways I try to incorporate integrity:

Home and Family: I show integrity in my family by keeping my word. I am faithful to my husband by honoring, cherishing and loving him. I keep my word to my children by following through when I say I'm going to do something. I am consistent and care for their needs. I want to be a good example to my children of what a lady is.

Work and Colleagues: I am committed to following through with tasks I commit too. I respect those who are in authority over me and who provide me with employment. I want to stand out as dedicated and devoted.

Social Life and Friends: I try to be as supportive as I am able to when others are in need. It's important to me that my views don't waver depending on the crowd I'm in-though I do know there is a time to speak and a time to be silent. I hope that others will see a glimpse of Christ in me in all I do, though I'm far from perfect in this area.

Church and Ministry: I do my best not to commit to things I can't follow through with. I take what I learn from the Bible and do my best to store it in my heart. I want to be available for the Lord to shine through me so I can be of help and support to others.

Community and Acquaintances: I hope to leave a good impression of myself as a Christian with those who see me and don't know me well. Though Jesus isn't the topic of most discussions-especially with people I've just met, I still hope there is something "different"-in a good way, they see in me.

Finances and Material Possessions: I recognize God as our main provider and give many thanks. I admit we haven't been as faithful in giving as we should and really need to work at that. We've done alright managing our money; not spending beyond our means or consuming ourselves in debt. I take loans and debt very seriously and don't like to owe anyone anything. I work at putting God before "things" in my life.

• "Better is the poor who walks in his integrity than one perverse in his ways, though he be rich." (Proverbs 28:6)

If I'm to make any difference in this world, I need for people to know that I strive for honesty, sincerity, and to be real. I'm not perfect by any means so this is a daily work in me. Here is some scriptural encouragement for living with integrity:

Always Speak Honestly

• "...but speaking the truth in love..." (Ephesians 4:15)

Stand up for What's Right

• "For we can do nothing against the truth, but for the truth." (2 Corinthians 13:8)

• "Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin." (James 4:17)

Choose Sexual Purity

• "For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you should abstain from sexual immorality; that each of you should know how to possess his own vessel in sanctification and honor." (1 Thessalonians 4:3-4)

• "I will behave wisely in a perfect way. Oh, when will You come to me? I will walk within my house with a perfect heart. I will set nothing wicked before my eyes; I hat the work of those who fall away; it shall not cling to me." (Psalm 101:2-3)

Commit to Consistency

• "Take heed that you do not do your charitable deeds before men, to be seen by them..." (Matthew 6:1)

Please visit an ongoing forum discussion we have going on at Families.com in the Christian-Evangelical section called: Values that Last: Weekly Group Discussion. We invite you to share your thoughts on discussion questions pertaining to this series.

Scripture references were quoted from the NKJV.

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