INTEGRITY
(A vanishing character trait.)
Donald R. Fox
I am driven to the conclusion that pure integrity has become a rare character trait
for many people. I will be very judgmental at this point and say that I believe that
political, news media and power gaining agenda driven folks are at the top of my
list. Many, not all, in this category seem to be wishy-washy concerning solid
integrity. The dictionary defines integrity in part as: “adherence to moral and
ethical principles; soundness of moral character; honesty." The definition
of integrity may hold the key to the weakness of some that gives in to the
demands of their agenda. The point I want to get over is that our society in
general has given up the truth that there is a fixed God-ordained everlasting
moral and ethical standard we must adhere to.
History has proven that “adherence to moral and ethical principles” among
nations and people vary from excellent to very bad. In my own lifetime, I have
seen a great change in the “moral character” of the world community in general.
It reminds us of a pendulum that swings back and forth. So it is with generations
of our sometimes-unstable mortals.
As an example of the current wavering integrity, notice the so-called in-depth
investigation by the media on some candidates for the presidency in 2012.
Some candidates are looked at as through a microscope. Other candidates seem
to breeze through any examination by the media. Pursuing this example, when
President Obama ran for this high office, the national news media gave him a
total free pass. Does anyone remember examination of his background? How
about his twenty-year association with a Black Theology church, headed by their
“pastor,” Jeremiah A. Wright, Jr.? Wright’s ugly anti-American and racist
speeches are on the record, are they not? Further, there is his association with
radicals with anti-American views? Where was the in-depth investigation?
“Winning is nice if you don’t lose your integrity in the process.” (Arnold Horshak
Quotes)
As for an agenda, I have an agenda, and it is doing the will of God to the very
best of my ability. I will heed His word, and I affirm the Bible is the Word of God.
Therein is my basis for integrity. Does that mean I never make mistakes or missstep? Of course not, but I will always repent and do my best not to go beyond
that which is right. We all must continue to have a conscious tune-up from time
to time. The choice of practicing integrity to the fullest is up to us as individuals.
Collectively, we can make a better world. Therefore, we choose to follow the
example of Joshua.
“Now therefore fear the LORD, and serve him in sincerity and in truth: and
put away the gods which your fathers served on the other side of the flood,
and in Egypt; and serve ye the LORD.
and if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom
ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the
other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell:
but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.” (Joshua 24:14,15
KJV)
NOTE: For additional study see essays entitled “BLACK THEOLOGY,"
“CHARACTER FLAWS," “CONSCIENCE TUNE UP,” “FLEXABLY ETHICS”
and “OUGHT”