Integrity

I have heard integrity being defined as what you do when no one is watching. Coach Tony Dungy has even referred to integrity as “the choice between what is convenient and what’s right”. I was watching an NFL game on television this past season, when a starting quarterback was sitting on the sideline, drinking a cup of water. When he finished drinking, he tossed the cup towards the garbage can. Unfortunately, he missed and the cup landed on the ground. What he did next really impressed me. He walked over, picked the cup up and put it back into the garbage can. He did this not because it was convenient but it was the right thing to do. What I really liked about it is that he was humble enough to pick up his own cup, even though he wasn’t expected to so.

In the Bible, Job is a great example of a person of exceptional integrity. Under some of the worst circumstances and attacks from Satan, Job stood fast to his beliefs, values and principles. Job didn’t need to impress anyone; he lived by his convictions and his actions. He did what he did without fanfare or recognition. God called Job a blameless and upright man who fears God and shuns evil. Is this how we want God to view us? We need to demonstrate our character and Christian principles by our thoughts, words and actions, especially when no one else is watching.

We should all strive for this high level of integrity and humility in all aspects of our lives. Too often we fail to be “real” and perform for others, when we should in all things, do it heartily, as to the Lord, not to men (Colossians 3:23).