Day 6: Honoring Integrity

People with integrity have firm footing, but those who follow crooked paths will slip and fall (Proverbs 10:9 NLT).

Timothy’s study of this character value led him to understand integrity as much more than truth telling. It is that – but more: a complete and constant oneness that comes when a person’s thoughts, emotions, and actions work together in harmony with standards of right and wrong. Other values clustered around this core are honesty, sincerity, purity, virtue, and fairness.

May integrity and uprightness protect me, because my hope is in you (Psalm 25:21 NIV).

Timothy described integrity in his journal as “Showing that I can be trusted to do what is right and say what is true.”

Walking with Integrity

One of the most tempting challenges to our integrity is sincerity. It’s the half-truth trap: telling just enough truth to avoid an outright lie – and only enough truth to mislead the person we’re talking to. Intentional deception.

How often we deceive with half-truths so we can dodge personal responsibility for tardiness, work quality, or something we wish we hadn’t said!

1. How is your integrity being tested this week?
2. How will your integrity – or lack of it – affect your long-term effectiveness in leading or discipling?
3. How important an issue is this for you to address as you lead or disciple others?

Read about Joseph’s integrity in Genesis 39. Ponder Psalm 119:1.

Prayer: Father of truth, please help me be a reliable speaker of truth and doer of right this week.