The virtue of integrity

This is another article I wrote some time back. It was part of my ADF Dedicant's Path work. Recent events have spurred to re-visit this virtue. I do truly believe that without a set moral code people do horrible things to each other, even with one they tend to do so but with less frequency.

So please read the article... seriously think about how you implement integrity in your life.

Virtue: Integrity

In-teg-ri-ty – noun: 1. adherence to moral and ethical principles; soundness of moral character; honesty. 2. the state of being whole, entire, or undiminished: to preserve the integrity of the empire (as per www.dictionary.com).

Many people in the world know the meaning of integrity, but it seems that many do not understand how it affects the individual or an institution of which the individual is a part.

Integrity on a personal level truly shows the measure of one’s being. To have integrity, a person must first have some sort of moral or ethical code which they live by, or try to live by. These moral and ethical codes are usually taught to children from a very young age; (Example: be kind to others, share, don’t lie, don’t cheat, don’t steal.) But as we grow older gaining more experiences we learn new ideas that add to or even replace our older ones. But moral integrity is more than just living up to our code of conduct or ethics, it’s about being honest with people. It’s about keeping your word on something you promise to do or not to do. Believe it or not, this then in turn affects others’ integrity around you, causing them to become more honest and show more integrity in their lives.

Spiritual integrity is very important as well. It not only reflects you as a person but also whatever spiritual institution you belong to as well. One’s spiritual integrity keeps a religion and its institution whole. It allows others to see that what is being taught is being followed, not only by the congregation but by its leaders as well. In turn this leads a sense of respect to the institution and individuals by those that are not a part of it, bringing a chance of understanding to the table. In some cases it will even make people stop to think about their own lives, their own integrity, even bringing a change into their lives.

Integrity is not just a virtue for spiritual people. It is something that every person in life can have. It is something that could make the world into a better place through respect and understanding. Having integrity in your life can also help with living other virtues within your life as well, such as hospitality and piety. Integrity will help people stick with their own rule of hospitality, being a wonderful and gracious host. With piety, integrity gives strength to the people so that they can live the spiritual and religious beliefs they hold.