Recently I asked an adult Sunday school class, “Who is a well-known person that you trust?” It took a little while to answer, but we came up with some names: Billy Graham, Tim Tebow, Tony Dungy. Sadly, there was no one mentioned from the corporate world, the political world, or other places of influence (i.e. Hollywood); yet not surprising.
Trust is something we struggle with. We have been let down so often especially with politicians or (so-called) heroes. Perhaps that is why the genre of superheroes has become the rage in the entertainment business. These superheroes have a harder time letting us down because they are not real.
Yet, the question remains, “Are we any different? Do I let people down?”
It seems everyday I am confronted with ethical choices – especially in the workplace. Do I lie on my sales goal numbers? Do I take ill-advised short-cuts on a procedure so that I can carry out the task faster? Do I cheat on a test?
Although my choices most likely won’t have the same impact as a politician, a sports personality, or a corporate executive are they any less important?
Integrity is surely missing in North America. I look for it daily. It can really be hard to find in our self-focused world.
However, we are called to live out integrity.
Philippians 2:5-11 gives us the model. The “Christ Hymn” describes a humble Son of God whom we are to imitate.
Humility. Integrity. These two words go together.
How do you live out integrity and/or humility in your place of business, school, or home?
I don’t think that you can “live out” integrity. Meaning, I think integrity and humility are “unintended or unexpected” results of becoming more Christ like. Do I ask myself in all circumstance, what would Christ do, what is the Holy Spirit leading me to…or do I ask what should I do some people will think I have integrity for humility. (sadly, I don’t ask myself those questions often enough during the day) Is our visible character because of what I want others to see, or because it occurs naturally because my desire for place in His life. It is not what I do, it is who I am in Him……