Integrity! Do you have it?

So today, I led the class for our Middle School ministry and the subject was Integrity.  As we all know, Integrity is the quality of being honest and living by strong moral principles.  It is the foundation of a trusting relationship.  How many friends do you have who don’t have integrity?  If they don't, do you trust them?  

Integrity is also evidence that we know Jesus, because He is the Truth (John 14:6).  He is all about Integrity. So, as I was studying the lesson to prepare for the students, I had to reflect over my own life and where I've had areas of integrity that didn't measure up.  I remembered (and I’m sure some of you might as well) when I was a little girl and after I did something that would get me in trouble, the first thing I’d say was that I didn’t do it.  I mean who wants to get in trouble.  What I didn’t realize at the time was that I was sowing additional consequences for myself.  My mom knew who did it, so I just compounded the punishment for myself.  Not only did I have to pay the consequences for the actions, but also for the lie.  I didn’t understand it then.  I get it now.  We reap what we sow.  

We forget that integrity is a choice and it’s either who we are or who we aren’t.  It’s a matter of our character.  What do we do when no one else is looking?  Who are we trying to impress?  What trouble do we think a dishonest answer or a cheat will get us out of?  The fact remains that God knows us better than we know ourselves and He knows when we lie or cheat or steal, even if we think it’s harmless.  He’s watching all the time.  He knows exactly what we do.  

His expectation of us is that we will live a live that is honest and sincere.  He expects us to be real – what you see is what you get – all the time no matter what.  He expects us to do what’s right because it’s the right thing to do!  Can you imagine in today’s climate, if everyone was just real and not putting on a show for other people?  How much would being real and honest help people overcome fear and hatred?  How might honesty allow people to see the need for Jesus in their lives?  How might honesty show some that saying they are Christian, but not living a life representative of Christ is hypocrisy?  How might people be changed if they chose to do what is right because it is right to do?  How might it change the world?  

We might not be able to change the entire world, but we can change our little piece of it.  I gave the kids a challenge this week and I’m going to take it myself.  I challenge you to do the same.  Take a look at your life and evaluate where you have not been trustworthy or operating in integrity.  Choose to operate differently.  Integrity is a choice and if it is doing what’s right not matter what happens or who’s involved or what the consequences might be – it’s also about obedience.  Obedience to God is better than sacrifice (1 Sam 15:22).  Let’s take this opportunity to be the people God calls us to be – People of Integrity.