Equilibrium

Integrity is a word that seems to have lost its meaning. It’s a word that causes people to become defensive when held accountable to its value. “How dare you question my integrity?”! I’m the same way, but I guess that only demonstrates a level of insecurity and a desire to be seen in the best light by others.

Integrity is simply the level at which the inner person matches the outer person. Everyone has integrity; it is simply a matter of reading what I call the “Integrity Factor”. For example: If I say that a core value of mine is being a disciple-maker, yet the effort to learn how to make a disciple is not produced in my actions, then my “Integrity Factor” demonstrates that making a disciple is not in reality a core value. The dishonesty is just the byproduct of what is really inside that is coming out. It could be delusion (I want to have this as a value, I should have this as a value, I believe it is my value, but I am in reality deceived because authentic core values drive speech and behavior). It could be deception (If this was a real core value of mine then others would think highly of me, so if I say it enough they might believe it).

The drive to have a Christ-centered Integrity Factor is the result of time with Christ – meditating on His message and communicating with Him. When we see who Christ is and who He desires us to be, and when we allow His ways to change us at the very core of our being, then we are driven to cultivate values that produce spiritual fruit. Our spirit takes the lead and guides are soul (mind, will & emotions) and our body. The spiritual value of honesty and humility guides us to be transparent with God and with spiritual mentors about our values that motivate our speech and behavior.

Today I choose to allow my Savior to continue to change me from the inside out so that what is seen is the reality of a life surrendered to Christ.