Integrity Part Quatro

This morning, as I was thinking about integrity, I was examining myself, my thoughts and my actions. As mentioned previously, I have become quite bold in the last sixty days or so. Not only am I happier with my new "boldness", but the air in my walk, talk and attitude resonates, reflects and is infectious to others. People no longer have to ask where I might stand on any issue, as I am not to shy to let anyone know.

It's the little things that make all the difference. Does your trash find the trash can. Are you cognizant of the fact that those around you are  watching you to see if you are setting a good example. Do you let others influence you in a way that might effect the way you think and feel. I can tell you with certainty that I stand where I stand, believe in what I speak, say what I mean and walk the line on what I feel is right.

After his transformation from Saul to Paul, an immediate change swept thru Paul's heart, mind, body and soul. He was "on fire for Christ." No one was going to stand in his way. A little more than ten years ago, I went to an event called "Stand in the Gap." A million men lined the long area in Washington, DC, where Dr. Martin Luther King gave his, "I Have a Dream" speech. This event was focused on men that had made a renewed commitment to take a stand for Christianity even in the face of adversity. They would take a stand for their families, their beliefs and the rights afforded to us in this country for Freedom of Religion. Our forefathers founded this country on, "One Nation Under God", and I do not personally understand how that directive placed forth by the signers of the Declaration of Independence has become so misconstrued and simply forgotten.

Why do we no loner say the "Pledge of Allegiance" in school? Who mandated that we should not fly the American flag, or remove monuments that bear the resemblance that institutions can embody the rights that this country was founded on near and in public institutions. The church is a dying institution, and while I can not be certain of the statistics, most people, and especially Christians, would be terribly concerned by the bar-to-church ratio on many street corners, cities, states and the numbers for the entire country. This was not the defined plan or directive that our forefathers had in mind.

When is the last time that you compromised your personal opinions, actions, beliefs or position on an issue that you thought was immovable. How did you feel? What happened to your "intestinal fortitude." I can still hear loud and clear as those previous words in quotations were used often in pre and post-game speeches by my high school football coach. In college, I saw a man, my coach, who was stricken with Lou Gehrig's disease. Probably the best coach in the East Coast Atlantic Conference for Division III football, he always took a stance on what our players individually were supposed to embody, both on and off the field. We were not only encouraged, but made to uphold a standard in the classroom. Our personal actions on campus were closely monitored. It is undoubtedly the people in our lives that have this level of integrity who can demand and deserve respect, absent of the beliefs, actions, opinions and personal decisions in our daily lives.

Going back to Paul, he was active not only in the community where he was at the present time, but additionally sent instructions via letter to those places that he had previously visited, and in the future places where he would express his authority toward building a strong and focused evangelical push for Christ. He was in no way, shape or form going to compromise his position. He was steadfast on a straight and narrow line given to him divinely by God, and he was going to follow that directive to a "T".

We should all strive to be more like Paul. What is it that you are striving to push toward in your daily walk with God? Are you one hundred percent committed to the path that you have set out for yourself and that of your family, community and circle of friend whom you might have influence over? Are you certain that you will not waiver? Will you command respect by other because of what they see in you? How will react in the face of adversity?

All of these, and more questions not listed need to be examined. I encourage you to take a hard look at your own goals. A wise man one said to "place your goals in cement, and your plans in sand." If we would only apply this principle in our daily lives, I believe the difference in the short and long-term would e noticed in an immeasurable way in our lives.

Are you ready to be "bold" and take action? A great slogan from Nike read on many of their wares says, "Just Do It!" Take the time to apply principle earnestly and with a measurable purpose on a measurable time-frame. You will be incredibly impressed and even in awe of the results and outcome.