The Need for Integrity

There is great need for integrity in our times. This is one of the virtues that has almost completely disappeared in our day-to-day living. It is one of the principles that creates an atmosphere of trust among people.

What is integrity? “Soundness of moral principle and character, complete honesty and uprightness with no masking of intent.” It means, to use our own words, genuineness, absence of sham or hypocrisy, no false front, openness, singleness of purpose, trustworthiness, and honesty in general.

In Job 27:5 we find him saying, “Till I die I will not put away mine integrity from me.”

Men often speak of the patience of Job. It is also meaningful to speak of the integrity of Job. Job maintained wholly what he believed to be true even when the evidences about him seemed to indicate otherwise. Job had a devotion and a loyalty to what he believed was right and true that demonstrated a rare degree of integrity.

There is a great need for integrity in casual conversations. How often do we hear one woman compliment profusely another woman on her appearance or on some article of her clothing, when actually she does not mean what she is saying? How often do we hear a man exude good will when he meets another man though he actually almost despises the other man?

Integrity is one of those abstract qualities that we all wish to possess, but often find difficult to apply when it comes to real situations and practical dilemmas. Integrity is really the bond that holds a man’s other virtues together; it is the mark of a man who has successfully integrated all good principles. His life is a unified whole.

Living with Integrity

a. It’s easier: Living with integrity is easier than living a deceitful life. While making unethical decisions is often easier in the short term, it eventually takes its toll. Living with integrity brings wholeness and peace. Your conscience can rest easy, and you can look at yourself in the mirror with pride.

b. It builds trust: A man of integrity is a man others can count on. They know he will do what he says he will do. When you choose to live with integrity, all of your relationships will be healthier, stronger, and more satisfying.

c. It serves as a basis for value judgments: A commitment to live a life of integrity allows you clarity when you have to make hard choices. You won’t be at war with yourself over which path to choose. Instead, you’ll experience the confidence that comes with having every aspect of your life knit together in a unity of purpose.

d. Living a life of integrity is a daily process that’s doesn’t end until your life does.

e. Decide now, not later: Many men have not thought through their personal value system. They’re not sure who they are or what they stand for, and they wait until the breaking of a crisis to make their decision.

f. Quit the rationalizations: There’s always a million reasons to compromise your integrity. You can always come up with justifications that seemingly make good sense and let you sleep better at night. There’s nothing more valuable than your good name and the ability to look at yourself in the mirror each day with a clear conscience.

g. Don’t take the first step: When a great man falls from grace, we often wonder how he could have ever messed up so royally. The truth is that he didn’t wake up one day and decide to commit a blunder. Don’t compromise on the little things, and you won’t on the bigger ones.

h. Don’t justify the means for the end: In reality, the journey towards an accomplishment or decision is just as important as the destination itself. Even if you are richly rewarded at the end, if you cannot look back on the means used to get there with anything but shame, your victory will be hollow indeed.

i. Take personal responsibility for your life: At the heart of integrity is the ability to own up to the fact that you are in control of your life. You are responsible for both your successes and your failures. Nobody else but you.

Integrity is a value that we should strive for in all areas of your life. Be honest with yourself. Be who are. Say what you mean. Do what you say you will do. Don’t just walk the walk; talk the talk.

You can live with confidence and without fear if you are a person of integrity. Many people have regretted the actions and decisions that they did without integrity. The end cost of doing things without integrity is very high.