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Over the past several years, I have become increasingly disillusioned with professional sports and the stars whose talents are show-cased through playing them. In particular, I am sick of the arrogant, unappreciative, entitled attitudes of those making millions of dollars playing a child’s game. There are certainly exceptions, the Tony Dungy-led Colts for one – who seem to embrace, if not the faith of their coach, then at least the principles his faith is built on. As for many others, I think it’s fair to ask: What principles are they building their lives on and are they worthy of emulation? Why is that important? Because so many of our young people look to them as role models, whether the “stars” mean for them to or not.

Selfishness appears to be the prime motivation, with personal pleasure and success at all costs being a part of the mix. Many, at times, work hard to reach a certain level of proficiency – which is commendable – but then begin to cut corners by taking advantage of people and other “opportunities” that come their way. The most common excuse being, ‘Everybody’s doing it! Why should I limit myself by not doing so too?’ Barry Bonds and countless others are prime examples of the success to be had even as they compromise the generally accepted ideals of fair-play and virtue – a general moral excellence and goodness of character – or as Webster’s Dictionary defines it, real manliness and worth.

Barry is an enigma. A man with real – probably great talent and ability – who appears to have augmented it with outside help. And while I hate to render a guilty verdict before absolute evidence has been presented, the evidence of physical growth and power – even as he aged and would normally be expected to lose some of his prowess on the field – has led many to conclude he did indeed receive an artificial boost. (Not to mention his admitted use of an unidentified cream and a supplement known as “the clear” he says he thought was legal, as well as his long association with a convicted steroid peddler who specialized in chemically enhancing athletes’ bodies and performance.) But before we get too self-righteous, let’s examine our own behavior; as the prevalent worldview of get-rich-quick and easy seems to have infiltrated the lives of many even in the church who likewise seek to win at all costs, cutting corners at every opportunity – keeping the letter of the law while ignoring its intent.

Have you ever accepted more change than you should receive when paying for dinner at a restaurant? Did you pack a few hotel towels as keepsakes from your last vacation? Do you under-report your earnings to the IRS? Would you use a cheat-sheet on mid-term exams? Doesn’t everybody do stuff like that? Isn’t it kind of expected? Therein lies the problem. Most of these actions are considered pretty routine and minor, especially when compared to other things we could be doing, but wrong none-the-less; and quite possibly the first step to real legal lapses and significant consequences.

That brings us to the issue of integrity; again, defined by Webster’s Dictionary as encompassing the qualities of honesty, sincerity and honorableness; developing in a person the ability to recognize right and wrong. Qualities of strong character or a distinctive personality exercising self-discipline and moral strength. People of integrity become known for their consistent lifestyle, not changing according to the circumstances they find themselves in or as a result of the company they keep. They stand strong and true to their convictions regardless of pressure exerted to make them reflect the prevailing attitudes of the moment. They are people who know who they are, what they believe and why they believe it; who say what they mean and do what they say – EVERY TIME; who believe in a cause and speak out for a standard greater than their own – ALL THE TIME; who are constant in their attitude toward and treatment of others – ALWAYS. Thus becoming people who can be trusted, even when disagreements arise, to be who they profess to be; respectful and deserving of respect.

Integrity is the backbone of society. It sets standards that, even if only a few follow, gives stability to society as a whole. For as they consistently strive and occasionally stumble in their attempt to live by a higher calling, they inspire others to follow their example and achieve more. Integrity can’t be imposed but challenges us as individuals to be more than we presently are, to do better than we’ve done before; to work harder and serve longer. It demands that we take ourselves seriously, practicing our faith publicly and living ethically.

Does God have anything to say concerning integrity? More specifically, he defines the lack of it as being double-minded; saying one thing, doing another, being indecisive and doubtful when the situation calls for bold, straight-forward action. David declared, “I hate double-minded men,…” Psalm 119:113, which I believe expresses God’s feelings concerning double-mindedness as well. (Revelation 3:14-16) But why does God feel that strongly about how I act and respond? Because as Christians we represent him to all we come in contact with. Someone’s first and possibly only impression of him may be what they see in us; and God is not unreliable, unpredictable or untrustworthy! James explaining that the man who is doubtful and erratic in his lifestyle and witness is, “…like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind… he is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does.” James 1:6-8

Which kind of person will you choose to be? For a key to Christian integrity is preparation and a desire to be different. (See Romans 12:2) Paul encouraging us to, “…put on the full armor of God, (which is the Word and the attributes which flow from it) so that when the day of evil comes, (or trials, hardship, temptation) you may be able to stand your ground,…” Ephesians 6:13 Triumphantly steadfast in who you are and what God calls you to be; which is the real definition of success.

But how do we do that? There are so many issues confronting us in the “real” world. Does the Bible effectively relate to this day and age, addressing the situations we find ourselves in? Some very basic advice on Christian living and integrity can be found in Matthew 5,6, & 7 and Romans 12:9-21; dealing with our attitude toward God and our involvement with others, as well as God’s expectations of us as the salt of the earth and the light of the world. (Previously presented in Exodus 20 as the Ten Commandments and summarized in John 13:34 as the 11th command of love. See also Matthew 22:34-40 and Mark 12:30,31) God’s prescription for success found in, “…seek(ing) first His kingdom and his righteousness, and (then) all these things will He given to you as well. Matthew 6:33 All of which helps us mirror the character of Christ; an identifying mark, a distinctive trait or quality, a pattern of behavior demonstrating moral strength, self-discipline and a responsible lifestyle – part of which is the ability to accept responsibility for our actions. It is the flavor of our being, the substance of our personality; being developed intentionally or otherwise by what we expose ourselves to and participate in.

Paul warned us to, “…not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.” Galatians 6:7,8 Not merely refraining from doing evil, we are to be actively involved in doing good; sin not judged as such only when we do bad, but in our not doing the good we know we should – yet don’t. (James 4:17) Doing “…nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit,… Nobody should seek his own good, but the good of others.” (Philippians 2:3 and 1 Corinthians 10:24) What a difference we could make in our world if these were the goals we sought to achieve in the game of life as well as the games we play.

"Inspiration For You" from Randy Mitchell

Our Children Are Our Future