Integrity #3—Fearless Integrity

Those who walk in integrity walk 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 servicemen 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 our lives as Christians. If, because we fail to trust God, we weave the fabric of our lives out of deception and expediency, it will disintegrate; and we will be left standing naked before him and before the world. But if we clothe ourselves with the integrity that is consistent with our pledge of allegiance to Christ, we never need to live in fear that someone will expose the skeletons in our closets. The result of living with integrity is satisfying peace of mind. Security is also our companion when we live according to our confidence in God’s goodness and wisdom. If we succumb to the enticement of self-centered expediency, we will constantly be looking over our shoulder in fear. If we resist that enticement, no one will be able to take our joy away.

“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.