Integrity

Most know the story of Job and how he lost all of his children, property, and possessions. What was he like
before he lost it all? He was blameless, had complete integrity, feared God, and stayed away from evil. I believe that athletes and coaches often live dual lives—one way on the field and another off the field. We justify it saying they are two different areas of our lives that shouldn’t cross over. Job wasn’t like that. Job was blameless. No one could accuse him of wrongdoing. If he did wrong someone, he kept a short account and asked forgiveness.

Job was a man of integrity. Some call integrity what you do when no one is looking. Job didn’t just demonstrate integrity most of the time, but all of the time. Did he ever fall short? I’m sure he did, but immediately asked for forgiveness. Job feared God. He strived with all his being to control his tongue and not bring shame on his God. He wasn’t afraid of God, but was in awe of Him. Job stayed away from evil. Some translations say he ran from evil. He vowed never to go where he knew God didn’t want him.

Some might ask, “How could I ever be like Job? It’s just too much to accomplish.” Just because it may be difficult to be like Job in every way, doesn’t mean we shouldn’t strive to be like him in some areas—and then more after that.