Integrity - A devotion derived from Redonia

I KNOW my TV blog may not have been favored highly. The following post on integrity may not be either! However, too often I find when dealing with people they have integrity issues. It is MOST difficult to even offer advice when you KNOW the person has integrity issues.

Tonight Kent, Redonia and I enjoyed a peaceful outdoor dinner at Macaroni Grill compliments of the Womacks. Redonia began to share a situation with us where she recently observed someone blatantly being dishonest. Redonia was frustrated with this mature individual. Later this evening in a completely separate conversation Redonia told how one of her kindergarten students used profanity. Redonia said when she questioned the student he/she denied the offense. Then Redonia explained lying would cause him/her to be in trouble twice - once for lying and once for talking 'ugly'. She said the youngster hung his/her head and said, "Sis. Redonia, I did say that word." Kent and I laughed and said "Oh, you did learn something growing up." This was our exact approach with our children. Since, I have been pondering on integrity.

Isn't it amazing that people know in most cases when someone lies? What then causes people to struggle so with integrity if everyone knows the truth anyway. I am such a black and white person that I struggle with people's lack of integrity. To me intentional exaggeration is dishonesty. Being deceptive...sneaky...or whatever other words people may endeavor to soften with is still dishonesty...lying and lack of integrity.

David in Psalm 15 can help us set strong standards to define our integrity. First he asks the question: Who may worship in your sanctuary, Lord? Who may enter your presence on your holy hill? In other words, "What kind of individual has an intimate relationship with God? What standards does God expect of us?"
Those who lead blameless lives… Do we live out what we believe? Do we walk and speak with integrity?
…and do what is right… This involves our day to day habits and choices in life.
…speaking the truth from sincere hearts. Do we really mean what we say? Do we imply the truth or do we allude to something different from truth?
Those who refuse to slander others… You cannot claim to love your neighbor while speaking ill or listening to ill.
…or harm their neighbors or speak evil of their friends… We should avoid being judgmental and treat people with respect.
Those who despise persistent sinners… It may be good to witness to the wrong crowd, but it's dangerous to run around with them. This can be even those who attend church…if someone isn’t right why do we think we are better than the Word and can handle things that we have been clearly warned against? Who is really influencing whom?
…and honor the faithful followers of the Lord… We often become like the people we hang with so we should spend our time wisely with those who can help strengthen our faith.
…and keep their promises even when it hurts. We do what we say, even when it is not in our best interest.
Those who do not charge interest on the money they lend… This is not about banks or business but how you help a friend in need: generously and unselfishly.
…and who refuse to accept a bribe to testify against the innocent. We have positions of trust. We do not accept favors to corrupt our conduct…ever.
Psalm 15 ends with this promise: "Such people will stand firm forever."

I want to be able to dwell with the Lord. I pray every day I maintain a strong sense of integrity. I am thankful today that I had time to share with my daugther. Redonia, you helped me tonight in studying and reading the Word. (INSIDER: Chica, Madre loves your guts!)