The Integrity Effect

Integrity is a big word. What does it mean? Dictionary.com defines it as:

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.

3.      a sound, unimpaired, or perfect condition: the integrity of a ship's hull.

 To me, integrity means doing the right thing at the right time, even if no one is watching.

As members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, it is important for us to show integrity. We want those around us to know that we do what's right and that we follow the Savior. Showing integrity is one way you can  "let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify our Father which is in heaven" (Matthew 5:16). 

It is not always easy or popular to have integrity. Often that means going against what peers may influence you to do, and demonstrating integrity may not seem like the best choice at the time, but it is. And it's worth it. Let me show you why. 

As I was studying integrity, I read many accounts from the scriptures, particularly the Bible, of heroes who had shown integrity. Some of these included Joseph (the one who ran from Potipher's wife), Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego (who were thrown into the furnace), and Esther (who saved her people, the Jews, from being slain). I noticed a pattern in each of their stories, which I would like to call the Integrity Effect. It goes like this:

Don't you want to be blessed with more than you ever had to begin with? Insert almost any story from the scriptures, and it will fit in the Integrity Effect. But not only will scripture stories fit into the Integrity Effect, your life fits in the Integrity Effect.

I know that I have been blessed when I show integrity. It brings me close to the Lord, and I feel true happiness.