Integrity

          “In the operating room of a large, well-known hospital, it was the nurse’s first day on the medical team.  She was responsible to be sure that all instruments and materials were accounted for before completing the final steps of the operation.  She said to the surgeon, “You’ve only removed 11 sponges.  We used 12 sponges and we need to find the last one.”  “I removed them all,” the doctor declared emphatically, “We’ll close the incision now.”  “No,” the rookie nurse objected, “we used 12 sponges.”  “I’ll take the responsibility,” the surgeon said grimly. “Suture.”  “You can’t do that, sir,” blazed the nurse.  “Think of the patient.”  The surgeon smiled and lifted his foot, showing the nurse the 12th sponge.  “You’ll do just fine in this or any other hospital”” (Dennis Waitley, “Your Absolute Bottom Line,” Priorities Magazine).

          Integrity is defined as “steadfast adherence to a...moral or ethical code” (thefreedictionary.com).  It’s doing what you believe to be right regardless of the consequences.  It’s staying true to your convictions even when it may be unpopular.  But having integrity is tough, isn’t it?  It’s difficult to stick to your principles when you know it could be costly. The temptation is to compromise when the pressure begins to build.

          God’s servant Daniel is a great example of someone who didn’t allow circumstances to alter his convictions.  As Daniel rose in prominence in Darius’ kingdom, other officials became jealous of him.  They did their best to find grounds for accusing him according to Babylonian law, but were unsuccessful because Daniel was a man of integrity.  So they formed a plot to use his integrity against him.  Knowing that Daniel had convictions about praying faithfully to his God, they convinced king Darius to pass a law forbidding it.  Now what would Daniel do?  “Now when Daniel knew that the document was signed, he entered his house...and he continued kneeling on his knees three times a day, praying and giving thanks before his God, as he had been doing previously” (Daniel 6:10).

          May God help us to be men and women of integrity!

God loves you!

Mike