By DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills
What does integrity mean to you? The dictionary offers several clues as to what the word means: moral, sound principles, honest, righteous, incorruptible, and the list goes on. Perhaps a few names came to mind, like many righteous people in the Bible, historical figures, a family member, a friend, or someone who highlights the news by standing up to Godly truths.
Chances are you don’t pronounce yourself as a person of integrity. How many people claim on social media to have this honor? To many of us, that seems like a trait to pursue instead of embracing. But we are a people of integrity!
When we put our faith and trust in God, He is in us. 1 John 5:20 ESV says it well: “And we know that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know him who is true; and we are in him who is true, in his Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life.”
Walking in integrity means what we think, say, and do reflect our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
I like what David says in Psalm 101:1-4 ESV.
1 I will sing of steadfast love and justice;
to you, O Lord, I will make music.
2 I will ponder the way that is blameless.
Oh when will you come to me?
I will walk with integrity of heart
within my house;
3 I will not set before my eyes
anything that is worthless.
I hate the work of those who fall away;
it shall not cling to me.
4 A perverse heart shall be far from me;
I will know nothing of evil.
Practice today using your name in the following:
__________ is a moral person.
__________ practices sound principles.
__________ is honest.
__________ is righteous.
__________ sticks by his/her God and will not be swayed.
__________ loves God in all he/she says and does.
__________ is an excellent example of a person of integrity.
How do you define integrity?
Comments 24
Oh what a challenge! Thank you for this remember of who I need to be.
Thanks, Tama, I write these kind of blog posts to remind myself!
DiAnn, you challenged us once again with your exercise to insert our name in the blanks. We need that reminder. My best definition of integrity is doing what we know is right even when people who disagree are watching.
Hi Peggy, I agree, doing what is right no matter who is watching should be our motto. Thanks for the reminder.
When I think of integrity, I think of the way Jesus welcomed Nathanael to the group: “Jesus saw Nathanael coming to Him, and said of him, ‘Here is truly an Israelite, in whom there is no deceit!’” (John 1:47 [NASB]) Besides the statement “This is my beloved daughter in whom I am well pleased,” this assessment of lacking deceit is what I would most like to hear. And it is absolutely attainable… if we will surrender to walk in the selfless Love of God that knows no fear. Thanks so much for this reminder, Diane! Remembering what we’re aiming for at the finish line can make the difficulties of the race grow dim.
Diana, thank you for sharing that special moment between Jesus and Nathanael. Jesus modeled integrity for us then and now. We are blessed
Such a blessing post, and certainly one to share! Thank you, DiAnn!
Thank you, Sue for always cheerleading God and His people.
Your idea of placing our names in those blanks gives a perspective on examining if we are living according to these biblical principles. This is a great self- check exercise. Integrity is a virtue we should aspire to live by.
Barbara, thank you so much. It is a sobering exercise.
Integrity is living the way in which God can confirm His word, and His power through me.
Frances, I really like your definition. Thank you.
I absolutely love reading your posts every day they make me happy no matter what is going on I needed this today than OU
Aw, Debbie, you made my day. I’m blessed to be a scribe for Jesus. Without Him, I’m nothing.
You have defined integrity wonderfully here, DiAnn! May we all strive to live lives that reflect the love of God in our lives. When we do, we can’t help but exude integrity to others.
Blessings!
Thank you, Martha, to God be the glory!
Wonderful post Ms. DiAnn. One that every Christian/true Believer needs to read. For many years, I taught those who worked with me (I tried to never have employees but team members who I was responsible for ensuring their ability to replace me one day) that, “Integrity is doing the right thing even if no one can or will see what you do.” As I’ve grown in Christ, I see how that applies to my Christian walk as well. I can’t represent Christ well if I only do it one or two days out of the week. Well said, author.
Oh, thank you, someday I want to hear and see you preach. My dad instilled in me the vaue of integrity, and it is how we walk with our Lord.
Integrity is doing what is right and good when no one is watching you.
Linda, amen. The secrets will one day be shown for good or bad.
Integrity is standing up for what is right both ethically and morally, and not being swayed by the opinions or pressure of family, friends, or the world.
And that can be so hard. Praise God who walks and encourages us.
Integrity is when you stand up for a person who cannot stand for themselves. And even if the opposing party refuses to budge, you know in your self, and your belief in God, that you have done the correct thing. Their reaction is on them.
Judith, that is what Jesus did for us, and we can do no less.