Integrity...what does it really mean?

Recently I've been forced to think about what it really means to be a person of INTEGRITY. Does it mean just to have good intentions, good thoughts or even just look good from the outside. I think these things are elements thereof, except the look good from the outside of course, but not in its entirety.

in·teg·ri·ty (n-tgr-t)
Steadfast adherence to a strict moral or ethical code.

What does this mean to you? Well, I know what this means to me. This means to not justify my actions when they fail to meet the standards in which I choose to live by only because it doesn't fit what I want to do at the time. Isn't it amazing how, even though we may have an amazing life, great family, wonderful job, beautiful home and honorable and helpful friends, that we still feel like we don't have enough? Through coming to this conclusion we can tend to alter our life thinking, as I spoke about earlier, justifying our actions that act against our standards we've committed to live by. Most of those standards are based off of our faith that we choose to live by or the laws of the land in which you live on. I choose to live by the law of my land and the Christian Judeo Faith of Jesus Christ, as I believe that my life is only justified by the death that Jesus paid for me.

I remember my grandmother and mother telling me at a young age, "now remember Daniel, God can see everything you do, even when it's behind closed doors." I've never forgotten that, I just forget sometimes that I actually care about what God thinks. No matter if it's God that we're worried about or our closest friends, parent or our spouse even, we should always remember that we'll always care what those people in our lives think about us based off of our actions. I am making this statement because I believe that we all need serious accountability. Now I don't mean have people rule over our lives, but more to help us stay true to our committments based off of the standards that we have chosen to live by. You and I both know that this person can't always be the closest people to us. It has to be someone that you trust and respect, but still really care what they think of you. I don't want a bunch of "YES" people in my life, always yes Daniel, whatever you say. I want them to get in my face and truly hold me accountable for the things I've committed to for my sake, family and friends as well. It's amazing how the majority of our selfish and un-integris decisions that we make, no matter large or small, they all directly affect the ones closest to us in some way.

in·teg·ri·ty (n-tgr-t)
Steadfast adherence to a strict moral or ethical code.

Always stay true to "you're code" and have others help, as well as you help others, no matter how large or small. It will always pay off.

And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.
John 8:32 (the holy bible)