As followers of Christ, we sometimes focus on developing and presenting the right image while neglecting the spiritual discipline of integrity. Our public lives are only as authentic as our private lives. Image is who and what people think we are while integrity is who and what we really are. Billy Graham once said, “Integrity is the glue that holds our way of life together. We must constantly strive to keep our integrity intact. When wealth is lost, nothing is lost. When health is lost, something is lost. When character is lost, all is lost.” I have often heard it said that integrity is what you do when no one is watching and that character is best illustrated by how you treat people who can do absolutely nothing for you. Integrity is a heart issue and a spiritual habit that decides beforehand to do the right thing. Character counts. Integrity matters to God. Matthew 5:8 (NIV) “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.” 1 Chronicles 28:9b “For the Lord searches every heart, and understands every desire and every thought.” The word for “pure” means “ready for sacrifice.” In other words, the decisions and choices we make should be living sacrifices that are holy and acceptable to God as acts of worship. To have integrity means to live an integrated life. That integration occurs when what we believe, what we think, what we say, and what we do are all consistent. In reality, image really is nothing without integrity and character to back it up.
Posted on: Tue, 10 Sep 2013 09:43:19 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015