Integrity

The new year has fast come upon us. As I was flying to visit family over Christmas, I read a book by Chuck Swindoll. In it he had a chapter on "The Value of Integrity." I thought I would share a few thoughts from the book "Arise and Shine" pages 190-191. They are great reminders that all Christians need to be people of integrity, who keep their word to God and their family, as well as a testimony to the world.

Swindoll quotes Ted Engstrom, "Integrity is doing what you said you would do." It is a simple as:

*You told the Lord you would give Him all the glory.
*You promised you would be faithful to your mate.
*You declared that your expenses amounted to a certain figure.
*You promised your son you would play ball this afternoon.
*You assured your roommate you would carry out your end of the load.
*You signed a contract that committed you to specific things.
*You told your neighbor you would bring back the tool you borrowed.
*You swore to tell the truth when you took the stand.
*You stated you would pray or return a phone call or pay your bill or show up at 6:30.

No reason to complicate matters or search for excuses. Doing what you said you would do is simply an issue of integrity. There is no substitute for having the guts to keep your word.