Integrity: Part Cinco

In the model of integrity, our outside should match our inside. Our thoughts, our feelings, our actions.

People will immediately notice if you are even an inkling out of balance in your walk with a mindset toward integrity. An imbalance will make you seem fake, untrustworthy, and even on the inside, you will feel at conflict with your own self. People judge! That is to be expected, as we are all imperfect. We each; whether we realize it or not, have our own prejudices in life.

I make a confident stride to act with integrity each day. I enter the "in door" at stores, clean up after myself in public restrooms, and even at home; I try to do nice things like opening the door for my fiance, and holding the door for others in public places. And at all times, you can bet that people are watching; waiting for a misstep on your/my part. They are saying under their breath and with their thoughts, "On what part of his normal day will Anthony 'drop the ball on' in his daily walk?"

Integrity can sometimes be put in the the same category as ethics and moral. Do we follow the rules at work? Do we stay away from getting our "toes on the chalk" as we go about our day? Again, any compromise will cause others pause.

Paul's counterpart Timothy was given instruction in 1 Timothy 4:15-16.

The Bible says; according to Paul's instruction to Timothy:

"Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress. 16Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers."

While this passage points to us as communicators, it is also just as important to "persevere" in our actions; even our body language and facial expressions. People notice much more than we realize. Notice that Paul says two things which are closely related to what I have written above.

The first is to, "watch our life and doctrine closely." Paul suggests to Timothy that we should not only examine ourselves in our words and actions, but also the "way" we go about doing things; and with what purpose. He then goes on to explain how important "perseverance" is. Perseverance has always been something that I have thought about with respect to the goals in my life. Sadly, those goals have been centered around things like money, success and achievement at work, the title at my current job and how quickly I can get to another step or rung on the corporate ladder?

While success makes us feel good about things; important, valued, etc., I think Paul is referring here to a constant state of evangelism. He is saying to Timothy, "Go see the people as I have instructed you. Visit those who have seen and believed; and just as or more importantly, strive to bring new people to Christ!" Timothy was supposed to do this fervently, and with conviction, until the mission was accomplished; the job finished.

One thing of note for me in verse 15 is the following:  Paul tells Timothy not only to "give yourself wholly to them, but also; and I think more importantly is to "let others see your progress." As I mentioned earlier, people are always watching.

For most, or at least some women, this is a very important part of distinction between potential suitors. They want a man who is, "strong, confident, decisive, goal-driven; and trustworthy and honest while showing respect for them and others." And these are not the only attributes. The list could certainly continue...

If you go back a few verses prior to 1 Timothy 15-16, you see exactly in what manner Timothy is supposed to instruct. Timothy is young at this point, so one of the challenges that he would have face is delivering his message; with a goal-driven and distinct purpose, to the elders. Paul is confident in Timothy, despite his obstacles or challenges; or he would not have chosen him for this task.

Timothy is instructed to teach the following things to the people of Ephesus (the Ephesians):

Conduct, Love, Faith and Purity.

He was expected to do this with a purpose. He was supposed to build up the church. He was supposed to rid Ephesus of false teachers. He was expected to lead, without compromise or blemish; God's people and to those that would come to God in Ephesus.