Integrity

 Integrity - firm adherence to a code of especially moral or artistic values - incorruptibility.

I’d like to think of it as doing the right thing at all times, in any situation.  I think for most of us, we feel like we have integrity. We do the right thing. We don’t try to hurt others and live law-abiding lives.

But most people I know live decent lives. Have enough money to more-than-get by. When you’re in that kind of position, it’s pretty easy to live with integrity. When you have content with what you have, doing the right thing isn’t very challenging. 

It’s when the times get harder. It’s when you want something so bad that is just out of reach when integrity is tested. Integrity is tested when there is an opportunity for you to gain something (power, money, fame, love) but you will have to do something dishonest, hurtful or damaging to get it.

How strong is our integrity in those moments? Integrity is about even the most seemingly meaningless things. Using the company paper to print things. Taking home supplies even when there is excess. 

Politicians are great examples of horrible integrity. They campaign to do the best for the people, yet seem to vote against what’s best for the people they represent. Many Christians lack integrity…going to church on Sunday, but never pray or crack the Bible or they show support for ideologies that go against their faith. 

Integrity is not an easy thing to own. Having integrity has great potential to get you into debates, arguments and in the spotlight of hate, especially where social issues and faith intersect. 

But when you make integrity part of your life, you do garner respect. When a person does what they say, they get respect. When a person has consistent behavior, actions and stances, they earn respect. It’s not easy to do in a world full of herd mentality pushing for us all to go off the cliff together. 

Think about your life. Is integrity important? Do you cave to the pressures of the majority? Do you have a set of values in your life that guide you and that you follow even if you are going to upset others?