This is what integrity means in your daily life.
Think of integrity as a bridge.
On August 1st, 2007, the I-35 bridge over the Mississippi River in Minneapolis collapsed during rush hour. Cars poured into the river below, and 13 people were killed, with 145 injured.
The cause of the collapse? “The INTEGRITY of the bridge had been compromised.”
Integrity means “sound, complete, whole.” Anything missing in our character can be catastrophic in life.
Here are the top five areas I focus on every year to keep my “bridge” strong:
Integrity with DECISIONS
It is so important to make good, sound decisions. That would be God’s decisions for you.
He leads us by His Spirit. He tells us His will and then expects us to follow it. It may not make “sense” but His decisions are the best.
Who is in charge of your life, God or you? When God told Noah to build a boat, he must have thought it was crazy. But He obeyed.
2. Integrity in PARTNERSHIPS
Don’t get connected to the wrong people.
“What fellowship has light with darkness?” (2 Cor. 6:14)
Abraham separated from his nephew, Lot. Lot’s eyes were on living in Sodom and Gomorrah.
Everyone is either on the “up” elevator or the “down” elevator. I’m getting on the “up” elevator with people whose lives have integrity as well.
3. Integrity in FINANCES
Nothing will show your integrity like the way you handle your (and other people’s) money. It’s so tempting to “fudge” a little on tax returns, expense reports, and a hundred other areas.
God sees my money. He knows if I have been 100% honest with someone. Was it fair what I charged? Did I pay what I owe when I owe it?
“The check is in the mail” has become an adage. People today do not honor contracts and just say, “sue me.” I need to pay my bills and keep my word regarding money.
4. Integrity with FAMILY
Living with a spouse or possibly children will also show my integrity.
Am I 100% honest with my spouse? Do I have any secrets I am keeping from her?
Do I make promises to my children and fail to keep them? Have I taught them how to serve the Lord with both my lifestyle and my teaching them the Scriptures?
I stole a yo-yo when I was four years old. After 40 miles down the road, my Dad saw it and turned the car around. He made me hand that yo-yo to the owner and apologize.
5. Integrity with GOD
I have a covenant with God. I belong to Him, and he belongs to me. What’s mine is his.
Is my life a living witness to the dark world that I am walking in the light with God?
Do my daily choices turn people to Christ and are an example of my covenant with Him?
Like the Minnesota bridge, let’s examine our “supports” carefully. Perhaps hundreds of lives depend upon us to stand firm….and have “integrity.”