5 Ways to Be a Person of Integrity
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- Updated Jun 22, 2022
“The integrity of the upright guides them, but the perversity of the treacherous destroys them.” (Proverbs 11:3)
People don’t talk much about integrity anymore. Back in the day, one of the common catchphrases was, “Say what you mean, mean what you say.” Not now. There are a lot of people who either do not mean what they say, or do not say what they really mean. Maybe that’s why politicians can abandon pre-election promises and we don’t hold them accountable or why ghosting on the dating scene is the current norm.
As a society, we’ve lost what we once called integrity.
Is this further evidence of how far we’ve strayed from God, or a clear indication of our failing family structure?
We can all be guilty at one time or another, of saying one thing and doing something entirely different. However, to be a man or woman of integrity, our normal should be bringing both our words and actions into alignment, not disarray. We should be known for words that match our actions, and actions that match our words.
But how do we get ourselves as individuals, and as Christians specifically, to a place where we know we are people of integrity?
First, we have to form a mutual understanding of the Word. Then we can read how Scripture discusses the idea of integrity. With both ideas in mind, we’ll be able to establish 5 ways to become a person of integrity.
What Is Integrity?
One way to understand this term is our ability to uphold the beliefs we proclaim. Whatever we say we believe in, we act accordingly. However, to be a person of integrity, our upheld beliefs must be morally good. Someone who lies because they believe lying is good, is not a person with high integrity. Just the opposite.
As Christians then, being a man or woman of integrity should come naturally. We show such by recognizing and emulating the good we see in Christ. We don’t just say we believe in Christ, but rather, our actions match the belief.
If we turn to Scripture, the same idea of integrity is at play.
This concept is revealed in Scripture through characters like Job, whose walk and talk were in perfect alignment (Job 1:2-3). Job was recognized by God for his character, but also seen by other people.
The same is true for us. Our integrity is always on display.
Now, as a result of sin, there will be times when we lack integrity. Our words and our actions don’t match. However, we don’t want this to be our lifestyle, not if we want to follow Jesus.
Whether you’re a current, new, or unbeliever, instead of lacking integrity, we can build character using these 5 strategies.
1. Be Morally Sound
Believe it or not, there are some fellow believers who exhibit certain sins and don’t see the big deal. That may include lying, overeating, laziness, or even gossip. Some sins come naturally to us, but sin is sin and should be addressed likewise.
Making mistakes doesn’t mean we have no integrity, but if we justify sins, that means we’re lacking integrity. The solution is to become morally sound. Acknowledge our mistakes, confess, repent, and sin no more.
2. Do What You Say
Some people have a tendency to agree to things that don’t actually interest them. This could be as simple as going to a boring party or as major as entering an undesired marriage. Don’t be the person who agrees to do something their heart is not in. If we commit, we commit, but if we don’t want to commit to something, then don’t.
God desires honesty from us (Proverbs 19:1). Not just when addressing Him, but other people as well. We’re to treat people as we want to be treated (Matthew 7:12). No one enjoys being told one thing when in reality the situation is just the opposite.
More honesty means stronger work relationships, marriages, friendships, and more. With honesty comes trust and there is no relationship without trust.
3. Mean What You Say
Have you ever said something that you didn’t really mean? Not an insult, but a compliment. Some of us make the mistake of saying, “I love you,” or “You’re always welcomed here,” or “You can talk to me about anything,” when we don’t actually mean what we say.
Integrity requires us to mean exactly what we say, whether handing out criticism or offering a compliment.
4. Believe in What You Do
Over the past couple of years, many of us have taken up political causes, sometimes out of genuine belief, and sometimes because everyone else is doing so. Integrity calls us to believe in what we do, not in what someone else is doing.
One way to know that we don’t believe in what we’re doing is that if everyone else stopped, we would too. Another way is if someone questioned us about our cause, we wouldn’t know how to or want to respond. We shy away from the challenge.
If we’re convicted of a belief then as Scripture says, we should be ready to give an answer (1 Peter 3:15).
5. Pray for More Integrity
Certainly, there are ways we can all better be men and women of integrity. Aside from personal reflection and habit changes, we can also pray, asking God for help. We aren’t perfect, and thus cannot simply rely on ourselves to become better people. We need God, and a prayer reflects just that.
Conclusion
As Christians, let us be known for keeping our word, and speaking what we actually believe. Let us be known as people whose words match our actions. Maybe not all of the time, but most. As people of integrity, we represent good values, good morals, and a good God.
Maybe today we lack integrity. With some effort and some prayer, we can make the effort day by day to become better people.
Photo Credit: ©GettyImages/fizkes
