Integrity Defined: Beyond the “Secret You”.

In construction, integrity is key. If the foundation of a building is inadequate, the building will likely settle over time creating cracks and other issues. If framing members are not sufficiently designed to withstand the load they carry, they will bend, buckle, and experience catastrophic failure. Regardless of exterior beauty, weak foundations and poorly engineered framing make a building dangerous.

We often define a man’s integrity as “the type of person he is when no one else is around”. We simplify it down to just one part of life – how he acts in secret. The truth is, integrity means much more than that. While the way we act when no one else is around is a part of our integrity, it is just as important to invest in the stability of other areas in our life: our marriage, our children, our career, other relationships, and of course, with God..

How do we strengthen the integrity of key areas in life? By intentionally investing in them. To start, ask questions like these: When I reach the end of life, how do I want my marriage to look? What type of people do I want my children to be? How would I like to be remembered in my workplace and community? What type of relationship do I want with God?

Once you answer these questions, you have goals to aim for. This allows you to invest in the important areas and build strong foundations. Then, when storms come and pressure is applied, the important things stand.

Integrity equals strength. A lack of integrity is dangerous.