The lost art of integrity

Integrity, is it still important?

Webster’s Dictionary defines integrity as the quality of being honest and having strong moral principles; moral uprightness.

Does honesty matter anymore?

As the year comes to a close and I look back on the decisions I’ve made, I hope they were made with integrity in mind.

Our decisions define who we are and what we believe in.

“You’re only as good as your word” and “Your word is your bond”.

These statements imply trust.

Can people trust you?

Many have lost trust in our leaders, sports figures, entertainers, and yes the news media as well.

Are these virtues, honesty and integrity, slipping away in America?

It’s difficult in the age we live in to hold true to our moral compass when we are constantly barraged and surrounded with rampant immorality. This past year especially we’ve seen the moral collapse of so many public figures.

Our leaders caught lying, cheating and of course the seemingly endless parade of sex scandals. These sexual harassment/assault allegations are a huge concern to be sure, but are they surprising?

I think not.

Hollywood glorifies and makes millions each year with sex.

Have you ever set back and counted the number of sexual innuendos and actual sex scenes in the television shows we watch?

I have to ask the question of myself, why I’m still watching some of these programs?

I invariably find some justification to keep tuning in. I realize I need to take a look at this.

Usually it’s along the lines of I’m an adult and these few seconds of sex on the screen won’t warp my mind.

But our children are seeing this. I’m just fooling myself.

Sexual fantasies indulged in the mind or on the screen can seep into how we act.

Outward actions proceed from what is inside a person.

Honesty and integrity come from within.

They spring from inside us.

Perhaps we should examine ourselves and see if we need a new inside.

Have I failed this year in my quest to be a person of integrity?

As a Christian I thank God that my failures aren’t final.

Are honesty and integrity still important?

For the sake of our community and nation I hope so.

See you out there.