INTEGRITY - 1st of 8 Values

The online dictionary defines integrity as, adherence to moral and ethical principles; soundness of moral character;  honesty;  the state of being whole, entire, or undiminished.  Of course as human beings this is an inconsistent with our nature.  We are comprised of a lifetime of experiences, our genetic disposition and our temperament which is influenced by the previous the first two.  We are born into the world innately selfish.   Our internal guide tells us that the only thing that matters is self preservation and satisfaction.

It's been my experience that the only way that we can experience, "wholeness" and in turn live with integrity is when we submit to a higher authority than our own.  As Rick Warren writes in the first sentence of his best selling anti-self-help book, The Purpose Driven Life, "it's not about you."  The world doesn't revolve around us.  We are part of a global community that depends on our contribution. 

Integrity is about being congruent; aligning your actions with your belief system.   Connection, community and trust can only be established when people are congruent.   There is no greater deterrent to building credibility than being inconsistent and incongruent. 

Steel gains integrity when it is heated, hammered, and beaten into a useful tool.  It's a good lesson for life.  Are we becoming people with greater integrity and strength as we face the heat and hammering of life?  What is your moral compass and are you following it?