The list in the previous piece on integrity keeps running through my mind and I have to go back and read it again:

1. 1. They are honest.
   2. They are sincere.
   3. They have appreciation for people.
   4. They have respect for other people’s time.
   5. They do not abuse people.
   6. They deal with conflict in a civilised manner.
   7. They are sensitive to other people’s feelings.
   8. They know how to say sorry.
   9. They are humble.
   10. They do good wherever they can.

It sings through my head: honest, sincere, respect, humble. Appreciate people, recognise their feelings, and do not abuse them. They don’t bury conflict, because they know that will not make it disappear. They apologise easily and they look for ways to do good all the time.

I go back to the list and start giving myself a mark out of 10 for each one. I’m not feeling too bad, because in most instances I’m giving myself an 8 or a 9, which is brilliant compared to my school marks.

But even if I pass the questionnaire cum laude, it will still not be enough. You see, integrity only becomes integrity when you achieve full marks. Honesty only becomes honesty when we’re honest in everything. Even a little white lie draws a line through honesty.

While you enjoy telling your story in the smallest detail, have you ever thought that the listener might be in a hurry and not actually have time to listen to all that?

They say I’m so good to others, but if there’s another agenda, isn’t it taking sincerity out of the equation?

Where I really miss the boat with integrity, is dealing with conflict in a civilised manner. Sometimes I just can’t help myself and before I know it, my words leave another body or two behind.

I wish I could do good wherever I go, but man, the own self comes pushing to the front of the line so often.

And there’s much more. We’re all dented, and yes, it’s human. But I realise we can’t use that as an excuse. No, we should rather use it as encouragement to do better next time, and if we fall, we must simply get up and try again.

We must follow Jesus’ example in everything. We must ask the Holy Spirit to help us. We should actually ask Him to silence us, so that we can hear his softer voice there where we are struggling hard.

Then we’ll have a positive result. ^7-8But mostly, show them all this by doing it yourself, incorruptible in your teaching, your words solid and sane. Then anyone who is dead set against us, when he finds nothing weird or misguided, might eventually come around.

When integrity becomes part of the pattern of our daily lives, God’s Name can and will be glorified and everybody wins.

Scripture
Titus 2:6-8

Reflection
What do other people say about our faith because of you?
How strong does integrity run through your actions?
Where do you need to concentrate more?

Prayer
Father, I’ve always thought I had integrity, but now I’m not so sure anymore. Please help me not to be negotiable on this according to circumstances. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.