Have you ever known someone who seems to have an internal code of honor? One that makes you want to emulate them or lets you know that they may be counted on?
I have. And it makes me think about integrity and what it means. So I want to ask you, what are the signs of a person of integrity? What does integrity mean to you?
Who Is a Person of Integrity?
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Before we can get into the nitty-gritty of what makes a person of integrity, let’s come to a consensus on what integrity means.
The Oxford Dictionary defines integrity as:
- the quality of being honest and having strong moral principles.
- the state of being whole and undivided.
Integrity means that you have good, honest principles that you live by. You’re not divided. A person of integrity doesn’t waffle back and forth. How they act today will align with their standards just as they did yesterday or as it will tomorrow.
As Christians, we should be people of integrity because we represent Christ on earth. Many people won’t read a Bible but they will look at how the Christians they know behave when they’re deciding if Jesus is someone they want to emulate.
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How do you show integrity?
So how does a person of integrity act? What are some common behaviors? Here are 7 signs that someone has integrity.
1. Reliability: a person of integrity can be counted on. When they give their word, they will do what they promised to do, or show up where they say they will. You can count on them.
2. Selflessness: a man or woman of integrity puts others above themselves. They exemplify the message of Philippians 2:3-4,
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.
Philippians 2:3-4 NIV
3. Helpful: a person of integrity is helpful. They are willing to devote their time, energy, and effort to help others.
4. Honest: People of integrity are honest. This honesty goes beyond just speaking the truth. It involves being honest in their dealing with others, treating others fairly, and acting in accordance with their morals in all situations.
“You shall not steal; you shall not deal falsely; you shall not lie to one another.”
Leviticus 19:11 ESV
5. Respectful: “Respect is earned” or “give respect where it is due” are familiar phrases and has, unfortunately, been used as excuses to treat others with disrespect or disdain.
A person of integrity understands that all people are created equal and were given the same rights by God. They understand that just because a person chooses to act without honor is no reason for them to do the same.
6. Humble: A person of integrity is not puffed up. Because they focus on esteeming others as “better than themselves”, they are not prideful or arrogant.
7. Willing to apologize: A person of integrity acknowledges when they are wrong and apologizes sincerely.
A person of integrity may have many more traits but these would also be present. As children of God, we can learn much about what it means to be a person of integrity from the Bible. Let’s find out what God has to say about integrity.
What does the Bible say about integrity?
As you can imagine, the Bible prizes integrity highly. Let’s look at some of the verses in the Bible that speak about what it means to have integrity.
The integrity of the upright guides them, but the crookedness of the treacherous destroys them (Proverbs 11:3 ESV).
For we aim at what is honorable not only in the Lord’s sight but also in the sight of man (2 Corinthians 8:21 ESV).
He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God? (Micah 6:8 ESV)
“You shall not steal; you shall not deal falsely; you shall not lie to one another” (Leviticus 19:11 ESV).
You shall not take vengeance or bear a grudge against the sons of your own people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself: I am the Lord (Leviticus 19:18 ESV).
Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God (Romans 13:1 ESV).
A faithful man will abound with blessings, but whoever hastens to be rich will not go unpunished (Proverbs 28:20 ESV).
There are many more verses in the Bible that encourages us to treat others fairly, yet so many persons, even Christians fail to do so. I thought a lot about what it meant to be a person of integrity as I read Texas Target Standoff because of the way the main character, Paul, acted. As a Navy SEAL, he took his oath to serve seriously even though he was off-duty.
His behavior was in strong juxtaposition with other characters and so they stood out. Why do some people act with integrity while others don’t?
My Review of Texas Target Standoff
When Navy SEAL Paul Avery goes in to see psychologist Shelby Warren, all he wants is for her to clear him to return to active duty. The last thing he expected was having to save her from a sniper’s bullet.
Someone’s determined to kill Shelby but Paul’s determined not to let that happen. Okay, I may be a little biased towards the Avery family. I’ve read all three books in the Cowboy Lawmen series and have loved them all. I like the way each member of the family jumps in to help whenever anyone is in need. They are determined to do what needs to be done even if it means putting themselves in danger.
In the earlier books, Paul struck me as somewhat taciturn and reserved but he was always willing to help his brothers protect whoever was in danger. In Texas Target Standoff, we finally understand why Paul is the way he is. We get to see inside his head and we also see him respond to Shelby and become more engaged with someone outside his family.
I liked Shelby’s character. She was determined to do what she needed to do to ensure that everyone she counseled was fully healed before they went back to active duty. Her commitment to her job was admirable and said a lot about her.
Paul had the same intensity when it came to protecting those in his care and getting back to his team. Together Paul and Shelby made a great team and you can see how they will temper each other.
I liked that even when Shelby was scared for her life she still tried to do her job as a counselor to ensure that Paul’s evaluation would be completed. In that, she showed not only her dedication to her clients but also her integrity.
Know God: Both characters struggled with their anger towards God. They believed God had abandoned them or allowed something bad to happen. Eventually, they both realized God God not left them alone. He had been with them the whole time protecting and caring for them.
Know yourself: Both Shelby and Paul had trouble opening up to others. They also had similar reasons: both were afraid of getting hurt. They had to learn to recognize that their fears were preventing them from living their best life and had to decide to go after what they wanted.
Run your race: Each of the characters in Texas Target Standoff had a unique skill that they had to use to figure out who wanted Shelby dead. Like these characters, we fulfill our purpose when we learn to stay in our lanes.
I love Virginia Vaughn’s Cowboy Lawmen books. They are filled with excitement and danger while having a strong spiritual message.
I received an advanced reader’s copy from the publishers through Celebrate Lit; a positive review was not required. Purchase Texas Target Standoff on Amazon | Harlequin Books
About Texas Target Standoff
A sniper lurks closer…
and only a Navy SEAL can save her.
When psychologist Shelby Warren suddenly becomes a sniper’s target, navy SEAL Paul Avery springs into action to protect her. He needs her evaluation to get back to his team…and rescuing her might finally give him the redemption he’s been searching for. But when danger follows them to his family’s Texas ranch, keeping Shelby safe could be his most difficult assignment yet.
About Virginia Vaughan
Bestselling author Virginia Vaughan writes inspirational romantic suspense. Blessed to come from a large, southern family, her fondest memories include listening to stories recounted by family and friends around the large dinner table.
She was a lover of books even from a young age, devouring gothic romance novels and stories of romance, danger, and love. She soon started writing them herself.
A former investigator for the State of Mississippi, Virginia utilizes her criminal justice background with her love or writing to transform words into powerful stories of romance and danger.
What Does Integrity Mean to You?
As a child of God, integrity means more than just following a set of rules. It means obeying God and doing the things that honor and please Him. Have you thought about how your behavior impacts the impression others have about God?
They may not say anything to you, but people are always watching you. Are you a good witness of the character of God? What does integrity mean to you?
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