Every day we are faced with hundreds of decisions. Some of these decisions are small - What will I have for breakfast? What will I wear today? Some are much weightier - How do I discipline my children or how do I interact with my wife? Decisions are important part of who we are as leaders. Living a life of integrity is one of those decisions. When we commit to a life of integrity it guides all the other decisions we make.
Let’s go back to the story of Joseph. That day in the desert when he made the decision to commit to live a life of integrity, it guided all of the other decisions he faced. It guided his decision to be faithful when it came to Potiphar’s business dealings. It directed his decision to not give into temptation with Potiphar’s wife. It directed his decision to not only leverage his interpretation of the baker and butler’s dream into a favor but also to not curry favor with Pharaoh after his dream was interpreted. It guided his decision to exercise forgiveness towards his brothers rather than exacting revenge on them. And I am sure it guided decisions that he made every day as the 2nd in command to Pharaoh. That desert decision guided everything else he faced in his lifetime.
I am sure that when Joseph faced a dilemma it didn’t take him long to decide the outcome of the decision because of his commitment to integrity. He didn’t have to ponder whether or not to accept Potiphar’s wife invitation for a dalliance. He knew what he needed to do immediately. He didn’t have to weigh the pros and cons when it came to how he was going to treat his brothers. He knew exactly what to do in offering forgiveness. When I choose to live a life of integrity it guides everything I do.
My commitment to integrity is going to affect how I interact with my wife, kids, coworkers, fellow church members and even strangers. And just like Joseph, it won’t take me long to make decisions when they are guided by my commitment to integrity. During the journey the person of integrity doesn’t worry what is ahead of them on the path. They don’t fret about the challenges of life because they know that by standing tall they will always make it through. Does that mean that they will come out unscathed and unhurt by life? Of course not. “We will not always win since there are people who will take advantage of us when we exhibit integrity, but in the end, God will vindicate and reward us, as will others in this life who respect integrity.” (Max Anders, Proverbs, p. 154).
Conversation:
- Will you make that commitment to live a life of integrity?
Recommended Book
Integrity—more than simple honesty, it's the key to success. A person with integrity has the ability to pull everything together, to make it all happen no matter how challenging the circumstances. Drawing on experiences from his work, Dr. Henry Cloud, a clinical psychologist, leadership coach, corporate consultant and nationally syndicated radio host, shows how our character can keep us from achieving all we want to (or could) be.
In Integrity, Dr. Cloud explores the six qualities of character that define integrity, and how people with integrity:
- Are able to connect with others and build trust
- Are oriented toward reality
- Finish well
- Embrace the negative
- Are oriented toward increase
- Have an understanding of the transcendent
Integrity is not something that you either have or don't, but instead is an exciting growth path that all of us can engage in and enjoy.