Integrity 101 – Tim Price Blog

Integrity is talked about everywhere these days. It’s an important ingredient in the life of a leader, in the life of a business, in the life of a ministry, in our habits, our relationships, our work and our finances. The word is even used to describe products, designs and processes. In a nutshell, it involves the inner part, the life we live deep down – even when no one is looking.

I listened to Psalm 101 over and over this morning. I was struck by the words. Here are some thoughts from this Psalm:

Desire To Live A Blameless Life

Do you desire to live a blameless life? Do you strive for this? I hear lots of people, including myself saying things like, “no one’s perfect.” Desiring to live a blameless life has to begin somewhere – and that’s when we center on Jesus.

Integrity In Your Own Home

One common definition of integrity is “Doing right even when no one is looking.” Do we have integrity in our own home when we are alone and not out in front of people? Additionally, this line in scripture caused me to think about how I treat my family – do I have the integrity to not only build them up in front others but also when we are just at home? Do I treat my family respectfully both in public and at home? There is very good reason to have integrity in our own homes.

Refuse To Look At Anything Vile Or Vulgar

I’m always amazed at the vulgar language found in movies and tv shows. If you have a television in your home and you were to do a tally of all the cuss words or other vulgar and crass words you heard in a week, a person would be shocked. We’re inundated with words and images! When I think of “refusing to look at anything vile or vulgar” as I read in Psalm 101, my mind immediately goes to the internet and all the images that surface relating to our media sexualized culture. I wonder what the psalmist had in mind when these words were written – sins dealing with integrity probably are similar no matter what era or generation. Humans have a penchant for being drawn to the gutter in so many cases. What’s the answer – refuse to look at anything vile or vulgar.

Will Not Deal With Anyone Who Deals Crookedly

Wow, this one is amazing… if someone is dealing crookedly and it’s against us, it’s easy to stop the deal. We’re not going to buy a car or some other item if we feel we are being cheated. But what if someone we are working with or for is dealing crookedly? How will we stop dealing with them? Is there a way to quit dealing with people who don’t treat others fairly in business?

Reject Perverse Ideas

Don’t get sidetracked and pulled into perverse ideas. I think this is why the bible talks so much about gossip and idle conversation. One of my pet peeves is when people say something along the lines of, “I can’t say that, I’m in church.” Well, what about the other times – aren’t our lives temples of God’s spirit? Reject perverse ideas, jokes, and comments.

Search For Faithful People As Companions

Here’s some practical advice from the chapter: search out faithful people as companions. This can apply to who we date and marry, but also with whom we are in community- through the church and through small groups. This is important for each believer.

I will sing of your love and justice, Lord.

    I will praise you with songs.
²I will be careful to live a blameless life—
    when will you come to help me?
I will lead a life of integrity
    in my own home.
³I will refuse to look at
    anything vile and vulgar.
I hate all who deal crookedly;
    I will have nothing to do with them.
⁴I will reject perverse ideas
    and stay away from every evil.
⁵I will not tolerate people who slander their neighbors.
    I will not endure conceit and pride.

⁶I will search for faithful people
to be my companions.
Only those who are above reproach
will be allowed to serve me.

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