To live with integrity is to align our daily actions and behaviors with our core values and beliefs. We are a man of our word – what we say we do and what we believe we are.
This is a simple notion, but not always easy in practice. Pride often gets the best of us and we wear masks in many of our relationships, including with ourselves.
For instance:
-We believe God called us to ministry, but we put on the mask of corporate America to fit in with friends and family.
-We value financial stewardship, but we put on the mask of compliancy and play our part in the myth of “happy wife, happy life.”
-We know we have many shortcomings in life, but we put on the mask of competency and pretend we have life figured out and don’t need any help.
For something so “simple,” living with integrity surprisingly takes a lot of courage to practice consistently. And this is where those we choose to spend our time with become extremely important.
Do you surround yourself with men who will steadily speak truth into your life – men who will regularly remind you of who you are and who you want to be?
Who are the men who can see God’s calling in your life and regularly remind you of it?
Who encourages you to be a wise steward even in the face of relational unhappiness?
Are there men with whom you can be truly honest with your shortcomings and not pretend everything is “okay”?
Maybe our first step to living with integrity is forging relationships with respected men.
If you don’t currently have friends or family who can serve in this role, a mentor or coach might serve as that steady voice of truth in your life.
Do you value living with integrity? If so, are you willing to do what it takes to align your life with this value?
Reach out and start making a connection today.
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