Integrity: Part Seis

After spending five parts on the subject of integrity, I am going to attempt to bring all of the principles together.

In "Part One", I defined integrity as "doing the right thing when no one else is looking." While that may not be a novel concept, and even perhaps one you have heard before by definition; I believe it is the best way to categorize this important word.

If we make an attempt at having peace with the world and ourselves, the idea aforementioned will not be so hard to achieve. Striving to cancel out the vagaries of life and the "darts" that will will surely be thrown at us, will have an impact that is likely to be felt less, allowing us to combat the turn of events that are thrown our way.

For me, being homeless for fifty-four day, and without a regular and sustainable income for thirty-four of them was a strong lesson in humility. I enjoyed my time with other veterans who needed a "hand-up" instead of a "hand-out."

Trips to waterfalls, and going to events such as the Apple Festival was a respite in and of itself. For these times, and along the way making new friends that would never had crossed my path was refreshing and life-changing; to say the least.

Reconnecting with God in an way that is hardly explainable was the most enlightening part of the process, and I was given the awesome opportunity to share that experience with others.

In "Part Two", I mentioned that the word "integrity" is not prominently found, or greatly accessible unless you are looking for it. It is only mentioned sixteen times in the entirety of the King James Version of the Bible. However, David and Saul/Paul, come to mind when considering the credibility and importance of the word. In my day, I attempt to "say what I mean, and mean what I say", with the most appropriate words possible; and removing myself from interactions and discussions that might be troublesome to my ability to uphold this principle and value that I have come to desire to greatly embrace. Fewer words are many times better than expressing your opinions.

By trusting God, and walking in honesty and righteousness, will go a long way toward keeping one in the realm, in a strong way, with respect to integrity. Furthermore, the lasting consequences from breaking the bond of integrity will rather have a positive effect for the years that you are alive, and the legacy that you pass on to generations long after you are gone.

In "Part Three", I talked about my individual transformation. It has felt like the days between August 10 and July 31, 2016, will forever be a turning point. My relationships should be better, my ability to communicate effectively will be enhanced, my ability to make a positive impact on others, daily, were evident during that time; and I would hope be a precursor to continued growth, and my personal relationship with God has expanded and propelled my life to Higher-highs instead of lower-lows."

I like to think that my transformation was similar to Paul's; and if I can make 1/10th of the impact that he made on others during his time on earth, my life would embody a significant meaning to others in my circle of influence.

"Part Four" takes a stand on the embodiment of our positions and attitudes. People are always going to watch us, with a bent toward prejudice. It is a force of nature to want to be "better" than the next man. In reality though, we were made in the likeness of a perfect man. Jesus never once committed sin, yet was asked, and died, for all people. We are all sinners. And while he asked, "My God, My God, why have you forsaken me", he took and completed the responsibility for every man and woman that will ever walk this earth. We need to "all" be cognizant of this fact, Christian or not.

I an attempt to "wrap your head" around this concept; or theory if you are not a Christian, we need to take a proverbial stance in the respect of others and the way we will handle the inevitable adversity that life will certainly be "thrown our way."

Be one-hundred percent committed to your family, friends and to those for which you have a direct impact over. "Stand in the Gap", if you will. What you believe, say and do will radiate and influence others; so an attempt to make these interactions positive, should be something that we all strive for. You will feel better about those opportunities set forth to lift the spirits of others and it will be felt inwardly.

Set goals which are measurable and time specific. Allow room for error, but not defeat. We all strive to achieve something, so let your legacy speak for itself. One who does the right thing, as much as humanly possible, has little to explain. And along the way, examine yourself and your progress. Award those goals which are met, and change course when necessary to stretch yourself in the process toward the eventual attainment. Having a mindset toward success is always a good place to start. Along the way, you must have faith, trust and a strong belief that the projected outcome will come your way; if you put God at the center of your plans. That is not to say that He will not take you in an "entirely" different direction from the planned course, but you can be sure that you will be blessed along the way in the progression and the eventual "end of the line."


In "Part 5", I made the bold statement that our outsides should match our insides. If we start with the intestinal fortitude that lies deep in the recesses of our individual self, that will radiate outward; in our thoughts, actions and feelings. We will not feel an imbalance within ourselves and will instead not feel a conflict between integrity, or the ethical and moral decisions that must be made in our daily lives.

I have found in my life that I listen more, and talk less, as I get older. It is a natural progression for some, and for others, a statement or opinion is always forthcoming. It becomes something that you can just expect from some people.

Paul tells Timothy and us to "persevere." To watch our doctrine closely. Be diligent and give yourself "wholly"  to the process, and in the progression in all matters; we will save ourselves and other. Talk about a bold statement?

Obstacles will be forever present, but with your confident and fervent manner to strive toward integrity, the "big" things in life will become small. Timothy was sent by Paul with a definitive purpose; and despite his youth and the challenges he would certainly face; as we all do, having confidence despite challenges, foreseen and unseen, will become minute if we are confident about reaching our goal(s).

Be vigilant in your conduct. Love others. Be pure. Have faith.

God has a purpose for each and every one of us. From building churches, or running a Fortune 500 company, we needn't try to figure it all out at once.

Walking with "Integrity" will go a long way.