What is integrity? How is it defined? Do we know it when we see it? Is it praised and honored in our society today? How can you become a man (which will be synonymous for woman also) of integrity?
Well, this is something I plan to explore here. I hope that when we are done you and I will know exactly what it means to have integrity.
Definitions
in·teg·ri·ty n.
1. Steadfast adherence to a strict moral or ethical code. 2. The state of being unimpaired; soundness. 3. The quality or condition of being whole or undivided; completeness.
[Middle English integrite, from Old French, from Latin integrits, soundness, from integer, whole, complete; see tag- in Indo-European roots.]
integrity n
1. adherence to moral principles; honesty 2. the quality of being unimpaired; soundness 3. unity; wholeness [C15: from Latin integritās; see integer]
in•teg•ri•ty n.
1. uncompromising adherence to moral and ethical principles; soundness of moral character; honesty. 2. the state of being whole or entire: to preserve the integrity of the empire. 3. a sound or unimpaired condition. [1400–50; late Middle English integrite < Latin integritās. See integer, -ity] syn: See honor.
There we have a definition, we have a place to start.
So, where are we headed from here?
I would like to share a story about integrity. The story is told by Sheldon F. Child in As Good As Our Bond.
I was raised on a small farm in northern Utah. We were blessed to have enough land, not enough to make a living, but enough to make work for a young boy. My parents were good, hardworking, industrious people. In order to make ends meet, my father took outside employment. Each morning before he left for work, he would make a list of chores he wanted me to accomplish before he came home that evening.
I remember on one occasion one of the items on the list was to take a small broken part from our hay rake to the blacksmith shop to have it repaired. I was uncomfortable about going. My father hadn’t left any money, and I wondered what I should do. I put off going as long as I could. When all my other chores were finished, I knew I couldn’t avoid it any longer. Father expected the broken part to be repaired when he came home, and it was my responsibility to see that it was done.
I can still remember walking the mile or so to the blacksmith shop. I even remember how uncomfortable I was as I watched him weld the part. As he finished, I nervously told him that I had no money, but that my father would pay him later. I’m sure he sensed my anxiety. He patted me on the shoulder and said, “Son, don’t worry, your father’s word is as good as his bond.” I remember running all the way home, relieved that the part had been repaired and grateful that my father was known as a man whose word was as good as his bond.
I don’t know how you feel about this story; however, it has an impact on me and I have ever after wanted to be know as a man whose word is as good as his bond.
iron wil
