Integrity

I’m studying the word Integrity this week. It’s one of the “6 Strong Words” I want in my life.

I’d be interested in hearing from readers as to how you define Integrity as well as people of integrity in your life. With your permission, I’ll use your input and feedback on this blog as well as in the study.

You can comment on this blog, email me at curtiles@aol.com or contact me through Facebook or Twitter.

Thanks.

I’m re-reading (on audio CD) one of the greatest novels in American Literature, Harper Lee’s To Kill A Mockingbird. I’m simply amazed at her word play and artistic ability to paint scenes and characters.

Atticus Finch, the father of story narrator “Scout” is a man of integrity in his hometown of Maycomb, Alabama. Finch, an attorney, defends a negro in a criminal case and this makes him ridiculed in town.

He explains to Scout about integrity in Chapter 11:

“This case, Tom Robinson’s case, is something that goes to the essence of a man’s conscience– Scout, I couldn’t go to church and worship God is I didn’t try to help that man.”

When Scout says that most folks think he’s wrong on this and they’re right. Atticus replies,

“They’re certainly entitled to think that, and they’re entitled to full respect for their opinions,” said Atticus, “but before I can live with other folks I’ve got to live with myself. The one things that doesn’t abide by majority rule is a person’s conscience.”

Folks, that is integrity. I’ve heard integrity described this way: “It’s who you are when no one is watching, and what you’ll stand up for even if you’re standing alone.”

Integrity.
I’m going to be studying it this week in the life of my hero, Joseph in Genesis 37-50. Why don’t you join me.

Growing,

Curt