INTEGRITY - "As a man thinketh in his heart, so is he"

I've often wondered how unique the word INTEGRITY is and have come to highly value the meaning and thought behind it.  Better yet, I highly value those individuals who possess the quality of INTEGRITY and model their worldview and lifestyle upon it.

So, you may be asking about the second half of the post title "As a man thinketh in his heart, so is he" - the Bible (King James version) for if a man/woman thinks a certain way then he must be that type of person.  Example: A young man laughs at an older woman slipping and falling in public.  This may signify to me (personally) that the young man lacks compassion for the woman, as his reaction was laughter at her, not a reaction to try to assist her in some way.  My interpretation of this example/scenario is just one perspective. However, if I were to take into consideration INTEGRITY and a person's reaction to the same slip/fall example, the person with INTEGRITY would most likely come to the aid of the woman who fell, rather than simply laugh at her.

What is INTEGRITY?  

The online Miriam dictionary defines it as: 1: firm adherence to a code of especially moral or artistic values : incorruptibility; 2: an unimpaired condition : soundness' 3: the quality or state of being complete or undivided :completeness.  Related to INTEGRITY: Synonyms -character, decency, goodness, honesty, morality, probity,rectitude, righteousness, rightness, uprightness, virtue,virtuousness.  Antonyms - badness, evil, evildoing, immorality, iniquity, sin, villainy,wickedness

Forbes magazine contributor, Amy Rees Anderson, describes it simply "Integrity means doing the right thing at all times and in all circumstances, whether or not anyone is watching." She further adds "It takes having the courage to do the right thing, no matter what the consequences will be. Building a reputation of integrity takes years, but it takes only a second to lose, so never allow yourself to ever do anything that would damage your integrity."  I quoted Ms. Anderson because she wrote this in the same style and wording as I think and write.  (FYI, she blogs daily at: www.amyreesanderson.com/blog.)

When I began dating again as a single adult seven years ago, my intention was to meet men who were MEN OF INTEGRITY because I felt I was a WOMAN OF INTEGRITY.  In fact, that was my dating tag line, you know, WOMAN OF INTEGRITY SEEKING MAN OF INTEGRITY ....  (okay, sort of strange, but attracted more like-minded men than not).  I truly wanted to make my life simpler by finding new friendships that would be based upon honesty, goodwill, and other trustworthy and admirable traits.

The same goes for looking for new women "girl" friendships.  It's so necessary to be in close relationships with friends that we can entrust our thoughts and ideas with, who can motivate us to be the best people we can, who share in morals and values that we maintain.

So, why is this word so darn important to me? People in our American society have shown a downward spiral of careless, senseless, and numbness toward others with no thought of lying straight out, with white lies, stretching the truth, whatever it takes to make the situation go in their favor.  Rather than, state the truth with integrity and mindfulness and let the consequences fall where it needs to fall.

One of my favorite Christian authors is Charles Swindoll.  I wonder if he has written or spoken on the topic of INTEGRITY.  Most likely he has, and when I find the information I will surely be engulfed in it's deep perspective.

Until later, I will post this and come back to this important topic again very soon.

Blessings to all.

Jeannette