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What is integrity?
* We can begin to understand integrity by going to a Greek word, "anupokritos", which means "without hypocrisy, playacting or pretending". In other words, integrity means being genuine. In early Greek drama, the actors hid behind masks (which, interestingly enough, also had mechanical devices similar to megaphones so people in the open air theatres could hear the dialogue). Living a life of integrity means being genuine instead of being an actor, pretending to be somebody else.
* Integrity also means being sincere. The Latin word "sincerus" literally means "without wax". It was stamped on vases sold in the public market hundreds of years ago. In those days, vases were made of clay, and when a vase was broken, unscrupulous merchants would piece it back together using wax, put it back on the shelf and try to sell it. When the sun came out, the heat would melt the wax and reveal the cracks, and its true nature would be discovered. Similarly, we try to cover up our faults with our position or possessions, but when the pressure builds up, we are left with who we really are. Living a life of integrity means living an authentic and transparent life, not using wax or its modern counterparts to cover the cracks.
* The dictionary defines integrity as "the state of being whole, complete and unified". When people have integrity, their words and deeds match up. They are who they are, no matter where they are or who they are with. People with integrity have nothing to hide and nothing to fear. Their lives are open books.
* Our computer age has come up with the acronvm WYSIWYG, which means "what you see is what you get." People of integrity do not have to pretend to be anybody other than themselves.
Someone said that integrity is who you are when no one is looking. It is being above reproach, blameless.
How can we live lives of integrity?
As I observe people and read of Bible personalities, I discover some lessons.
First, I should accept myself the way God has created me, with the gifts and talents which He has chosen to give me. I know I'll never be able to sing in a choir because He did not give me the gift of music. However, He gave me other gifts, and I should thank Him for them.
Second, I will treat the mistakes I have made in the past as past, learn from them and move on, refusing to be dragged down by them or by memories of them. God has forgiven my past sins, and I should be able to forgive myself also.
Third, while I will try to put my best foot forward, I will not pretend to be somebody I am not. I will risk being transparent and even vulnerable to those around me. I will not lie to others, or even to myself. There is no limit to the height a man can reach by remaining on the level.
Finally, I will live day by day, moment by moment in the presence of God. He is not only watching me. He also gives me my assignments for the day and supplies the strength and resources with which to carry out those assignments.
I may not be there yet, but I am on a journey to integrity.
Richard Navarro is a member of North Langley Community Church in Langley, B.C.
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