Reputation vs. Character (Part 2) - Integrity

Following up with Part 2 from the last blog on reputation and character, one’s integrity comes to mind. Being a lover of math, it was interesting to me that the word integrity comes from the mathematics word “integer”. Now walk with me back to elementary school for a minute. Remember integers? They are the mathematical way of saying “whole numbers.” Get it –”whole”? Not divided, but whole. The formal definition states that integers are a collection of numbers whose positive elements are well-ordered, and in which order is preserved by addition. As a matter of fact, the word integer is from the Latin word integer which literally means “untouched” or pure.

Being undivided has the idea of being consistent. What’s on the inside is shown on the outside. You are who you say you are and you are who you show you are. A person of integrity has private and public standards that are the same anywhere and anytime! God said Job was one who “maintain[ed] his integrity” (Job 2:3). Can He say that about us?

This is just as important in how we live as well as what we say. When a person of integrity speaks his yes is yes and his no is no. He keeps his word even if it hurts him. A person of integrity is careful about making commitments because he keeps them all.

The basis of our integrity comes from God:

“Surely you desire truth in the inner parts; you teach me wisdom I the inmost place. Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me and I will be whiter than snow. Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.” – Psalm 51:6

David knew that only God’s forgiveness and grace could make him a man of integrity, and depended on the Holy Spirit’s power to keep his integrity.

Here are a few benefits of integrity…
Integrity pleases God (1 Chronicles 29:17)

“I know, my God, that you test the heart and are pleased with integrity.”

Integrity gives security and peace (Proverbs 10:9)

“The man of integrity walks securely, but he who takes crooked paths will be found out.”

Integrity gives guidance (Proverbs 11:3)

“The integrity of the upright guides them, but the unfaithful are destroyed by their duplicity.”

Integrity gives authority (Psalm 78:72)

“And David shepherded them with integrity of heart; with skillful hands He led them.”

Steps to Develop Integrity

• Value the integrity of the heart as something precious to guard – 1 Kings 9:4, Proverbs 4:23

• Decide beforehand never to compromise or be defiled – Job 31:1, Psalm 15:1,2

• Draw a clear line on your limits of behavior and step well back from it.

• Be on your guard at all times. Guard your mind, eyes and the little things – Philippians 4:8

• Be accountable to others – James 5:16

Finally, I leave you with these truths from Dr. Tony Evans. If you haven’t read his book, “No More Excuses” I really recommend it!

How to Internalize Integrity (from “No More Excuses”, by Tony Evans)

1. Don’t wait around for your boss or your wife or your environment to get better before you make a move.
2. Set your standards in advance.
3. Develop a daily devotional life, which includes bible memorization.
4. Find some friends who will hold you accountable for living up to your standards.
5. Major on God and not your circumstances.