Read
Ecclesiastes 5:2-3, "Do not be quick with your mouth, do not be hasty in your heart to utter anything before God. God is in heaven and you are on earth, so let your words be few. A dream comes when there are many cares, and many words mark the speech of a fool." Matthew 25:21, "His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!'"
Think
Actions speak louder than words! In Matthew 25 Jesus said, "Well done, my good and faithful servant ... Come and share in your master's happiness!" Notice He said "well done," not "well said." This is also Solomon's point in the verse above from Ecclesiastes – no more lip service! Do the right thing in a reliable way. In a word: integrity. Integrity comes from the Latin word "integer," meaning whole, undivided. People of integrity are honest, reliable and driven by an unwavering sense to do what's right. God gives us a moral compass through the Holy Spirit. This guides us and enables us to grow more and more like Jesus who makes us whole. But first, we must choose to follow His lead. How can we become people of integrity? Start with the basics: strive to be the same person in private as in public. When the numbers at work aren't adding up, be honest. When others talk behind someone's back, choose not to gossip. Don't keep secrets from your spouse. Don't lie to cover your tracks. Becoming a person of integrity is a process. God isn't expecting you to live perfectly, but obediently to His truth. Don't just
talk about it,
be about it. Do this, and someday Jesus will look at you and say, "Well done!"
Act
Take a moment to ask God if there is any area of your life in which you lack integrity. Then ask Him to help you change and identify what might be getting in the way of your integrity in that area. Finally, take action! What is one thing you can do today to live with integrity in that area?
Pray
Dear Lord, You determine what's right and wrong. Without You, I would remain hopelessly incomplete. Give me the drive and strength of character I need to back up my words with actions. And let Your Spirit guide my decisions so that my life outwardly reflects my inward connection with You. In Jesus' name, Amen.