THE MAN: INTEGRITY
Man is the apex and
most significant part of the creation of God. God thrust the Earth into his
hands to maintain it and to dominate over other creations of His. Man has since
been in dominance over the activities on Earth. It is worthy of note to know that
God created man in His own likeness and image. So, Man is the representation of
God on Earth. By implication, lots are expected of Man beyond dominance. He is
to live like God in character and values. Among-st many other characters and
values of God are Integrity, Righteousness, Justice, Love, etc.
Our focus in this
section is on the subject of Integrity. Many have discussed extensively on
Integrity, so I’ll like to reference them while I drive home the point on the
need to have Integrity in our dealings and interactions. Charles Spurgeon, in
his quest to explain the dire need of the display of integrity, said “Nothing
reflects so much honor on a workman as a trial of his work and its endurance of
it. So it is with God. It honors Him when His saints preserve their integrity.”
What then is Integrity and of what value is the possession of Integrity?
Integrity is the
display of a consistent and uncompromising adherence to sound moral and ethical
convictions, principles, and values in all circumstances, even when no one
seems to be at watch over you. It means you are sincere to yourself and would
do nothing that would demean or dishonor you. In ethics, integrity is regarded
as the honesty and truthfulness or accuracy of one’s actions. Danny Anderson, a
clergyman, in an attempt to explain what integrity is, he said, “Integrity is
when our behavior matches our beliefs. It is when what you say and what you do
match up. You have integrity when your private life and your public life align.
It’s when you walk your talk and practice what you preach.”
Life often presents to
us choices to make per time. Only men of strong persuasion of what they have
believed would stand to do exactly what is dimmed right, without seeking the
acceptance of anyone in any regard. The systems of the world have been much
corrupted such that values as Integrity, Honesty, truthfulness, etc., appear
odd when displayed. The lack of integrity that is prevalent in our world today
comes with a huge cost. The price we pay is a loss of trust. Trust is absolutely
essential in order for a society, a business, or a relationship to function
well. Quite a lot of organizations have seen the need to make integrity one of
their core values because it enhances the continuity of businesses and ensures
a strong bond between parties.
It should be noted
that Integrity is a great and priceless virtue whatever be the cost to pay for
it. Keeping to ones promises even if it takes extra effort, going back to a
store and pay for something you forgot to pay for, informing the cashier he
gave you too much change back, remaining true to your spouse or partner,
ignoring bits of advice that suggest irresponsible living, not divulging
confidential information, etc., are a few of the examples of the life of a man
of Integrity.
Integrity is a
timeless principle that gives moral authority, that alone should encourage
every man to wear it like garment every day; at home, in the workplace, at the
bus stops, religious centers, market places, etc. At the workplace, a Man of
Integrity would:
- Work when he is supposed to and save socializing,
snacking, searching the internet, and personal phone calls for break time.
- Show respect to coworkers with appropriate conversation
and empathy
- Adhere to company policies and procedures
- Use materials for work and not personal use
- Make sure everything is on the table and nothing left
out when making a business deal
- Refuse, if the organization asks him to do something
against his personal code of conduct. He doesn’t mind losing a good-paying
job.
QUOTES ON INTEGRITY
“Perhaps
the surest test of an individual is its blunt refusal to be compromised.” –
Chinua Achebe
“Real
integrity is doing the right thing, knowing that nobody’s going to know whether
you did it or not” – Oprah Winfrey
“It is
true that integrity alone won’t make you a leader; but without integrity, you
will never be one.” – Zig Ziegler
“Integrity
has no need of rules.” – Albert Camus
“Integrity
is like the oil in an engine. It makes the whole thing run smoothly. Without
it, everything is in danger of breakdown.” – Danny Anderson
“The
supreme value for leadership is unquestionably integrity. Without it, no real
success is possible. No matter whether it is on a section gang, a football
field, in an army, or in an office.” Dwight D Eisenhower
“To have
a sustaining influence, you must have integrity.” – Peace Bakare
Integrity is a moral
value; hence it can be developed if deficiency is discovered. So many
advantages of a life of Integrity. Some are:
1.
Integrity
keeps us close to God – It is the
nature of God; He loves those who appreciate it
2. Integrity guides your life – “The integrity of the upright guides
them…” Proverbs 11:3
3. Integrity brings peace – A French proverb says “There is no
pillow as soft as a clear conscience.” Quite very true!
4. Integrity earns us trust and influence – Relationships fail, businesses fail,
politicians fail because of lack of integrity. They couldn’t keep to their
word.
5.
Integrity
brings moral authority –
A life of integrity is a fearless one and commands respect.
Recommended Book:
The Speed of Trust by Steven Covey, Jr.
Written By
Peace Bakare
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