Exhibiting Faith Through Integrity

“Gather not my soul with sinners, nor my life with bloody men: In whose hands is mischief, and their right hand is full of bribes.  But as for me, I will walk in mine integrity: redeem me, and be merciful unto me.”  Psalm 26:9-11

Webster’s Dictionary defines “integrity” as “The quality or state of being of sound moral principle, uprightness, honesty, and sincerity”.  I define integrity as doing what’s right even if it’s unpopular, difficult, time consuming, inconvenient, or when one thinks that no one is watching.  Integrity manifest itself in seemingly small, insignificant ways as well as things that we think are more important.  For example, a person of integrity will go back to the store to return an overpayment that he or she received back from a purchase.  To the detriment of our society, many folks will keep the extra thinking that they deserved it because things cost so much, or that it wasn’t their mistake.  In many retail establishments, it used to be that the cashier has to make up the shortfall at the end of his or her shift, but I don’t know if that is still required today.  I would assume that it is.

Several years ago, I bought a small turkey for Thanksgiving along with several other items at Walmart.  I had an idea in my mind about how much the total would be.  The cashier scanned the turkey, but it didn’t register, and she didn’t catch it.  I paid the total, and went out to the car with my groceries, but the thought came to me that the total should have been more.  I checked my register receipt and found that I had not been charged the $14 for the turkey.  Being a believer in Jesus Christ and trying to live a life of integrity, it never occurred to me to just drive home and prepare my “free” turkey.  Of course, I took the turkey back into the store and paid for it.  I couldn’t have lived with the guilt of stealing this turkey, because that what it would have been–stealing.  However, those of us who believe in doing the right thing would likely be shocked at how many people would not return and pay for something for which they weren’t charged.  I can guarantee you that most people will return if they get overcharged.  Some may even get angry about being overcharged, but anyone can make a mistake.

A person of integrity will put their grocery buggy in the buggy corral rather than leaving it in the middle of a parking spot.  I recently saw on television where a man was pointing out to another man that he had not put his buggy in the corral.  The man was offended that someone would point out his lack of integrity and began cursing at the other man.  He then went after him, but the other man ran.  Folks who lack integrity are folks that I desire to avoid as the writer of the above Psalm urged.  And, of course, there are the folks who think they own the road exclusively.  Even those of us who feel like we have integrity can lose it on the highway.  Driving in traffic is a real test of a person’s spiritual mindset!  Patience is a requirement for developing integrity.

Those who have integrity will be mindful of other’s feelings; they won’t kick a person when he is down, but rather try to help him up.  A person of integrity will keep his or her opinions to himself or herself unless it is solicited.  Jesus said in Matthew 5:37 to “let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil”.  Have you ever wished that you had kept your mouth shut rather than just having to say something?  I know that I have.  Many times, it is better to answer a simple “yes” or “no” like Jesus said than to elaborate and give all the reasons for saying “yes” or “no”.

Not shirking responsibility but going the extra mile to help another person is also a mark of integrity and also an obedient act in following what Jesus said about doing good.  He said if someone asks you to go a mile with him or her, then go two (Matthew 5:41).  Give 110 percent of effort to try to make life better for someone else.  Look for ways to serve others like Jesus did.  The Son of God, the King of kings and Lord of lords didn’t come to be served, but to serve (Luke 22:27).  The greatest leaders are those who serve.  Unfortunately, we haven’t seen a lot of that lately in our nation.  Jesus also said that whatever you desire for folks to do for you, do for them first (Matthew 7:12).  Don’t wait for someone to step out and volunteer for some project; be the first to sign up.  Churches are filled with folks who follow the 20/80 rule:  20 percent of members do 80 percent of the work and give 80 percent of the offerings.  I don’t think that is what Jesus had in mind for His church.  Everyone is not able to do everything, but everyone can do something to advance the cause of Christ.  Jesus said, “He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much…” (Luke 16:10a).