Integrity #3 — Fearless Integrity

The one who walks in integrity walks securely. But those who pervert their ways will be found out. Proverbs 10:9

The military profession rests on the concept of integrity. When leaders of every rank exhibit it, units hold together, flourish, and accomplish their missions. Leaders committed to integrity inspire followers to commit to service. To our service men and women the leader’s integrity implies two commitments: first, a commitment to work for their good—especially to create an environment that makes mission accomplishment possible; and second, a commitment to do what is right. If leaders try to shortcut this process, they are not living with integrity, and they can’t hide this fact for long; someone will find out. This is also true of civilian life. If, because of our failure to trust God, we weave the fabric of our lives out of deception and expediency, it will fall apart; and we will be left standing naked before the world. But if we are covered with the integrity of faith, we need never live in fear that someone will expose the skeletons in our closets; peace of mind is integrity’s reward. Security is the companion of those who walk according to their confidence in the goodness and wisdom of God, of those who never yield to the enticement of expediency.

“Guard my soul and deliver me, O God. Do not let me be ashamed, for I take refuge in you. Let integrity and uprightness preserve me, for I wait for you,” through Jesus Christ, who loved me to the end. Amen.