What Does Integrity Look Like?

As I pondered in my heart what to share this week, the word integrity kept ringing in my Spirit. I preface this conversation by  reminding you about the purpose of this Blog – we who are of age, 40 years and older, have the responsibility not just to ourselves but to  those coming behind us, and at this stage our focus should be on what really matters. Go back to The Introductions and refresh your memory.

Talk about living up to a high standard.

We could disect this chart to death but you know we are about dropping nuggets.

Let me start where this topic of integrity is more evident and relatable – in business and public office.

One of the fundamental courses I had to take in business college is “Ethics in Business”. I do not readily recall much of what was taught in this class, but this one principle is ingrained in my psyche – whatever you do in business, can it be placed on the “front page” of the news? A business’s integrity is being called into question.

This integrity litmus test is also true for our day-to-day lives. 40-Forwarders, take it from Rona V., whether we realise it or not, we are all under public scrutiny (a yaad and abraad).

My dears, Tam Reid posted a “drop the mic” post on this topic of integrity.

 “In the long run it is better to leave empty handed with your integrity than to enjoy the pleasure of getting what you want at ANY cost.”

@quotes.favourcarrier

I am still catching my breath from this one! Talk Truth Tam Reid!

Here is an example/demonstration of this integrity that Tam Reid is talking about. Turn your bibles to (hard copy or soft copy) to Genesis 39 and read part of Joseph’s story. The abridged version … He was a slave in Potiphars house. Potiphar’s wife took a liking to Joseph and tried to inveigle him to “lie with her”. She petitioned him consistently. He ran away from her to keep his integrity in tact. Joseph ended up in prison, but, his integrity remained in tact. Read Joseph’s life story for yourself.

Joseph’s name conjures up integrity. What about yours?

For your sake and for those flipping through the pages of your life, if you must, RUN, to protect your integrity.

These are tough times and truth is it will get tougher. My integrity, your integrity our integrity will be tested. In these here times tough decisions will have to be taken. Let us use integrity as a filter for our choices. Can we manage the pending consequences.

Children (youngins) do live what they learn. 40-Forwarders, they DO what we do, NOT what we say. It is therefore important that our actions align with what we say. It may not look like it, but they are paying close attention and before we know it, they start acting like us.

Have we taught those coming behind us how to make RIGHTeous decisions? Have we taught them (by our lifestyles) to live the truthful, trustworthy, honourable and honest life? Let us not drop the ball on this responsibility.

In Jamaica, the word often used for legacy is “Dead Lef” (Translated: Inheritance.) What better “dead lef” than integrity.

Be deliberate about taking your GOOD CHARACTER to your grave! (Selah)

Come what may, protect your good character. Your name must carry “integrity” weight. It must mean something!

It is things like these that really matters – integrity!

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