Integrity ~ Excerpts taken from the Lecture Series written for the book "Making Wise Choices" by Debra Lee

 

“Integrity”

~and suggested book read.

 

The greatest test of integrity is whether we will do what is right at our own expense.

Definition of Integrity: Adherence to moral and ethical principles, soundness of moral character, honesty, the state of being whole, entire, or undiminished, a sound, unimpaired, or perfect condition.

The difference between character and integrity is that character can be taught, while integrity comes from the heart. It cannot be changed or polluted.

Case Study: “The Day America Told the Truth” By James Patterson and Peter Kim.

Using a survey technique with guaranteed privacy and anonymity, these authors were able to document what Americans really believe and do. The results were startling.

Here is the brief:

1.    Americans are making up their own moral codes. Only 13 percent believe in all of the 10 commandments. Forty percent believe in 5 of the commandments.

2.       Americans are not honest. “Lying has become an integral part of American culture. We lie and don’t even think about it. We like for no reason.” The authors estimate that 91 percent of us lie regularly.

3.       Marriage and Family are no longer sacred institutions. “A third of married men and women confessed to us that they’ve has a least one affair. Thirty percent aren’t really sure they love their spouse.”

4.       The Protestant work ethic is long gone from today’s American workplace. Workers around America admit that they spend more than 20 percent (7 hours a week) goofing off.”

The authors concluded by suggesting that we have a new set of commandments for America:

1.       I don’t see the point in observing the Sabbath (77 percent)

2.       I will steal from those who won’t really miss it (74 percent)

3.       I will lie when it suits me, so long as it doesn’t cause any real damage (64 percent)

4.       I will cheat on my spouse; after all, given the chance, he or she will do the same (53 percent)

5.       I will procrastinate at work and do absolutely nothing about one full day in every five (50 percent)

We may say that we are a nation that wants integrity, but apparently a majority of us lack it in our own personal lives.

 

From Dr. S. M. Davis

Integrity is the unwavering determination in the heart to do right no matter what.

“When I’m afraid, I must do right. When I’m not afraid, I must do right. When my emotions try to lead me the wrong way, I must have integrity. I must do right. When my emotions are doing fine, I must do right. When I’m among the heathen, I must do right. When I’m not among the heathen, I must do right. When I’m among the committed Christians, I must do right. And when I’m among Christians you can hardly tell apart from the world, I must do right.

When my friends stand with me, I must do right. When my friends attack me, I must still do right. When my friends turn on me, despise me, make fun of me, and put me down, I must still maintain integrity. If my wife and children stand with me, I must do right. If my wife and children don’t stand with me, I must do right. When it’s easy, I must do right. When it’s hard, I must do right. When there’s no cost, I must do right. When the cost seems high, I must do right. When people like it, I must do right. When people don’t like it, I must do right. That’s integrity.”

Stand up for what is right, even if you stand alone.

This book is still available online.

Debra Lee

Author/Keynote Speaker/Life Coach/Biz Coach/Blogger

Books: "Making Wise Choices" & "It Is What It Is"