Integrity

Integrity is a concept of consistency of actions, values, methods, measures, principles, expectations and outcomes. And integrity is regarded as the quality of having an intuitive sense of honesty and truthfulness in regard to the motivations for our actions.

The word "integrity" stems from the Latin adjective integer-it means whole, complete.

In most cases, integrity is the inner sense of "wholeness" deriving from qualities such as honesty and consistency of character. As such, we may judge that others "have integrity" to the extent that they behave according to the values, beliefs and principles they claim to hold.

Webster's tells us "integrity" means an unimpaired condition-to be sound.

The Hebrew word for "integrity", tom, also means to be complete or solid.

So he shepherded them according to the integrity [tom] of his heart, and guided them with his skillful hands.

Psalm 78:72

Integrity is completeness or soundness.

You have integrity if you complete a job even when no one is looking.

You have integrity if you act in accordance to your principals.

You have integrity if you keep your promises and stand by your word.

Integrity means the absence of duplicity and is the opposite of hypocrisy.

If you are a person of integrity, you will do what you say. What you declare, you will do your best to be. Integrity also includes financial accountability, personal reliability, and private purity. A person with integrity does not manipulate others. He or she is not prone to arrogance or self-praise. Integrity even invites constructive and necessary criticism because it applauds accountability.

Integrity is:

• Sound
• Solid
• Complete

Integrity is rock-like.

It won't crack when it has to stand alone, and it won't crumble though the pressure mounts. Integrity keeps one from fearing the white light of examination or resisting the exacting demands of close scrutiny. It's honesty at all costs.

However, there are some things integrity is not. It is not sinless perfection. A person with integrity does not live a life absolutely free of sin. No one does. But one with integrity quickly acknowledges their failures and doesn't hide the wrong.

You want to shock the world?

Be a person of integrity.

It takes real guts to stand strong with integrity in a culture weakened by hypocrisy!