You Must Have Integrity

For we are taking pains to do what is right, not only in the eyes of the Lord but also in the eyes of men. 2 Corinthians 8:21

There’s a cartoon depicting some pigs feeding while the farmer is busy filling their trough up to the brim. Overhead in bold letters a sign reads, ‘Premium Bacon Company’. In the cartoon one pig says to the others, ‘Have you ever wondered why the farmer is so good to us?’ Question: Do people have to wonder about your motives? They shouldn’t! The apostle Paul defines integrity like this: ‘In honor preferring one another’ (Romans 12:10). Integrity always seeks the good of others. It believes that if something isn’t good for both sides, it’s not good for either side. Solomon warns, ‘Exploit the poor or glad-hand the rich – whichever, you’ll end up the poorer for it’ (Proverbs 22:16). If you want to test the depth of your integrity, consider these questions: How transparent are you with others? How well do you treat people from whom you have nothing to gain? Do you assume different personas depending on who you’re with? Do you put others ahead of your own personal agenda? Do you love people and use things, or love things and use people? Do you make difficult decisions even when it costs you personally? When you have something to say about somebody, do you talk to them or talk about them? Are you accountable to anybody other than yourself? These are important questions, so take time to consider them prayerfully. And remember, you may succeed momentarily because of what you know or do, but you’ll only succeed permanently because of what you are.

Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me to treat and place others above myself and have sincerity in my relationships with others. In Jesus’ Name, Amen