Integrity

From: The Word For Today - Bob Gass Ministries

2 Timothy 2:22 "So turn away from youthful passions and pursue integrity, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord in purity of heart."

Comedian Red Allen, said, "You only live once. But if you work it right, once is enough." So, how can you work it right? By living by your convictions every day; do that, and you'll have few regrets. Living a life of integrity involves: (a) thinking regularly about your values and letting them soak in; (b) constantly measuring your choices against God's Word and whenever it's appropriate, talking about them. This not only cements your values, it also adds a level of safety and accountability.

We get into trouble when our convictions and our impulses collide. When everything's going our way it's not difficult to live by our convictions. But "where the rubber meets the road," is when those convictions demand that we do something that'll hurt or cost us!

Spiritual people do what's right, no matter how they feel about it. You don't feel your way into doing what's right; you act first, act scripturally, act consistently - your feelings follow suit. Usually it doesn't involve anything dramatic; the tough decisions are the everyday ones. Character is built like a wall, one brick at a time.

Nice guys may appear to finish last, but usually it's because they're running a different race. Running that race involves pausing regularly to examine your life and to pray with the Psalmist, "Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting" (Psalm 139:23-24).