Reflection
Integrity is a fundamental virtue in the Christian life. It denotes a consistent alignment between one’s beliefs, words,and actions. It implies honestry that is incapable of being false to a responsibility or trust. A person of integrity has strong moral values and behaves ethically. Christians are called by the gospel to live lives of integrity and concern for the common good. The prayer that “all my be one” calls individuals to create circles of integrity which can expand to transform society by their prophetic witness.
Prayer
May integrity and uprightness preserve me, for I wait for you.
Psalm 25:21
Action
Be honest and respectful of others and avoid gossip. Follow through on the promises you make. Admit when you are wrong. Make your actions consistent with what you say your values are. Honesty is a cornerstone of integrity. Always speak the truth, even when it’s difficult.
Suggested Reading
The person of integrity walks securely, but the one who takes crooked paths will be found out.
Proverbs 10:9
Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another.
Ephesians 4:25
Do to others as you would have them do to you.
Luke 6:31
The very word integrity itself has the idea of that which is whole-hearted, that which is completely honest, whole, complete and true.
Pope Francis
The qualities of a great man are vision, integrity, courage, understanding, the power of articulation, and profundity of character.
Dwight Eisenhower
The first law of leadership is that your foundation is built through integrity, character, and trust.
Brian Cagneey
I cannot and will not cut my conscience to fit this year’s fashions.
Lillian Hellman
It takes courage to “join soul and role” in organizations that make it unsafe to show up with integrity and act in alignment with it. But when we find that courage, our lives become more whole, our work reaches deeper, the people we serve are better served, and, in ways large and small, the world becomes a better place.
Parker J. Palmer
Real integrity is doing the right thing, knowing that nobody’s going to know whether you did it or not.
Oprah Winfrey
I prefer to be true to myself, even at the hazard of incurring the ridicule of others, rather than to be false, and to incur my own abhorrence.
Fredrick Douglas
If it is not right do not do it; if it is not true do not say it.
Marcus Aurelius
Living with integrity means: Not settling for less than what you know you deserve in your relationships. Asking for what you want and need from others. Speaking your truth, even though it might create conflict or tension. Behaving in ways that are in harmony with your personal values. Making choices based on what you believe, and not what others believe.
Barbara De Angelis
Integrity is doing the right thing when nobody’s watching, and doing as you say you would do.
Roy T. Bennett