Not many of us would disagree that our world would be a better place if people lived with integrity. The damage caused by a lack of integrity today is seen everywhere. All a person has to do is watch the news or read on the internet about someone who everyone thought was the “real deal,” only to learn they had fallen into some shocking behavior. Hearing about a politician, a business person or a pastor doing something that is unethical or illegal has sadly become commonplace today.
A lack of integrity also hits close to home as well, whether it’s a friend who betrays us or even a spouse. The lack of integrity that is prevalent in our world today comes with a huge cost. The price we pay is a loss of trust. Trust is absolutely essential in order for a society, a business, or a relationship to function well. It’s simple: No integrity equals no trust. For a comprehensive look at how much a lack of trust costs society, business, and relationships, I would recommend you read The Speed of Trust by Steven Covey, Jr.
What is integrity anyway?
Integrity is when our behavior matches our beliefs. It’s when what you say and what you do match up. You have integrity when your private life and your public life align. It’s when you walk your talk and practice what you preach.
A great example from history of a person who demonstrated incredible integrity is Rosa Parks. On the evening of December 1, 1955, Rosa parks took her seat on a bus after a long day of work. The bus was full that day. At that time, the Alabama law required that a black person was to give up his or her seat for a white person and that the blacks could only sit at the back of the bus. Not on this occasion! Rosa Parks did not believe that she was less important or less worthy than a white person. She refused to get up!
She was quickly arrested for civil disobedience–an act that lead to a 381 day boycott of the Alabama bus system which, in turn, lead to a 1956 Supreme Court decision banning segregation on public transportation! Rosa Parks’ one courageous act of integrity went on to spark the Civil Rights Movement. What an inspiration!
Why should we live a life of integrity?
1. Integrity keeps you close to God.
King David shared this belief in Psalm 24:3-4, “Who may climb the mountain of the Lord? Who may stand in his holy place? Only those whose hands and hearts are pure, who do not worship idols and never tell lies.”
As parents try to instill in their children certain values and principles, if those are followed, all is well. If, however, the children don’t act according to those values and principles, well…all is not well. It works in a similar way with our heavenly Father.
2. Integrity guides your life.
It was King David’s son Solomon who wrote in Proverbs 11:3, “The integrity of the upright guides them…” When values and principles like love for God, love for others, honesty, generosity, courage, and a deep sense of right and wrong become part of our character, they guide us through the rest of our lives.
3. Integrity brings peace.
There is a French proverb that says, “There is no pillow as soft as a clear conscience.” Imagine living life where you never have to worry about getting caught. Imagine never having to worry about getting found out–by the boss, your friend, your spouse. Imagine having no secrets; no worries about being exposed. When we live with integrity, we will live in peace because our conscience stops condemning us.
4. Integrity earns us trust and influence.
As I have already mentioned, where there is little or no integrity, there is no trust. Relationships fail, businesses fail, politicians don’t get elected… well some still do. But with integrity great things can happen. Because of high levels of trust, parents can have an incredible influence with their children, teachers can influence their students, husbands and wives can enjoy deep levels of intimacy, and businesses will do better selling their products. All of this is possible because of trust.
Take away
Integrity is like the oil in an engine. It makes the whole thing run smoothly. Without it, everything is in danger of a breakdown.
Are there any other benefits to integrity that you have discovered in your life?
Like this article? Subscribe!
Get email updates each time I post a new article!
