living with Integrity…

Sunset in the Gulf of America

Living a life based on integrity has been the biggest goal of my life.  I feel that a man who lacks integrity is not living up to their full potential. 

Integrity is bigger than just appearing to do good things or trying to live a good life.  It is an all-encompassing way we do life everyday, all day.  Having integrity means that we have a constant drive to follow through with our words.  Biblical integrity holds the bar even higher. 

“Who may worship in your sanctuary, Lord? Who may enter your presence on your holy hill? Those who lead blameless lives and do what is right, speaking the truth from sincere hearts. Those who refuse to gossip or harm their neighbors or speak evil of their friends. Those who despise flagrant sinners, and honor the faithful followers of the Lord, and keep their promises even when it hurts. Those who lend money without charging interest, and who cannot be bribed to lie about the innocent. Such people will stand firm forever.”

Psalms 15:1-5 NLT

Leading a blameless life is an extremely tall order.   I’m not sure about you, but I find that task impossible in my life.  I fall short of that standard daily.  I honestly don’t think it’s possible for us to meet that standard with the grace we are afforded by God.  Thankfully our God is a God of mercy, and he forgives us for our shortcomings.  That doesn’t mean that we can actively go against him, but he will forgive us when we fall short of the standard if we repent.

Speaking truth always, even when it hurts seems like a rare thing these days.  So many people try to pass the blame or avoid negative views of themselves.  I have strived to always stand by my failures just like I stand by my successes.  We grow through failures if we allow ourselves to be vulnerable and open to the process of correction.   Learning from our mistakes is so important, that is where we can truly become better.

I want to be viewed as a man of integrity, who’s word means something, who people can count on, and hopefully one day, someone who can lead others in their journeys to be better people.  I feel vastly unqualified to do those things, but it has been put on my heart do work towards doing it.  All I can do now is be willing and available when opportunities arise for me to help others.  That means stepping out in faith when its uncomfortable, unsafe, and doing it without fear.  

This week look for times when you can help build up others and in the process, you will also build up yourself.