Integrity

— For the week of March 9, 2008 —

Integrity begins with how I live
when no one is watching!

A GOOD name is better than fine perfume.
— Ecclesiastes 7:1

Integrity is learned and demonstrated in many ways. One way we learn about personal integrity is when this boat we call "our life" is put into dry dock and fully exposed to what is above and below the water mark.

It is in these disruptive moments of life that we are most likely to display the integrity we possess. Integrity is almost tangible. Whenever we encounter it, we know we have found trust. It is utterly fascinating to see people who live by what might be called super-honesty, men and women who live at the "soul-level."

Alexander Whyte was one of those men. He was one of the great preaching heroes of 19th century Scotland. One day he was approached by a woman who showered him with words of praise. He knew the woman was sincere, but he also knew these kind words were not his to receive. In response to this lady's remarks, he said, "Madam, if you knew the man I really was, you would spit in my face."

Integrity begins with complete honesty at the fount of life — soul-level! Can you be considered by others to be living at that level of integrity? If you have any doubt, have the courage to let God search your heart and reveal the changes that need to be made. Then make those changes and watch your life become new!

Taken from The Minister's Little Devotional Book.
Copyright © 1997 by H.B. London Jr. and Stan Toler.
Used by permission of RiverOak Publishing, Tulsa, Okla.
All rights reserved.