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Point of Reference
by Fred Price
What kind of image are you trying to project? Do you have a mental picture of who or what you should look like and how you ought to act? Image is very important in our society, TV commercials and ad campaigns striving to convince us that, ‘Image is everything.’ The problem with assuming an image is just that - we assume what others think and want and then try to give that to them. It often becomes something we put on and take off at will or become confused by as we attempt to be different things for different people as our imagination, fueled by the images we conjure up in idle moments lead us to desperately attempt to satisfy others’ expectations. Webster’s defining an image as a representation of a person or thing while imagination is the act of forming mental images of what is not actually present.
When people see you are they seeing a person acting out a mental image of something not really there or are they experiencing the real you; the you that doesn’t change with the circumstances or because of the company you keep? The person who stands strong and true to beliefs and convictions regardless of the pressure exerted to mold you into something that looks like everybody else. A person who knows who they are and what they stand for, resolving to stand strong in that knowledge. That’s integrity, something the world is in short supply of today. People who say what they mean and do what they say, EVERY TIME. People who can be depended on to believe in a cause, speak out in support of it and work to help advance it, ALL THE TIME. People who are constant in their attitude toward and treatment of others, ALWAYS. People you can trust, even if you don’t always agree with them, to be who they say they are - people worthy of respect. Webster’s defines integrity as honesty, sincerity, and honorableness; which in turn denotes a good reputation stemming from a strong sense of right and wrong. Strong character usually comes to mind, a distinct personality displaying self-discipline and moral strength. (Mark 12:14)
Is this the kind of person you want to be? It’s difficult because we all want to be distinctive - as long as we don’t stand out. Have you ever seen someone do and say all kinds of silly things to get attention and then when they get a chance to do or say something for real they turn red in the face, stutter and stammer around and shrink into the corner. And why is it everybody wants to be different - like somebody else? A singer, movie star, athlete, etc. wears a new hairdo, hat, shoe, make-up and we all stampede to be just like them; to be different in the same way. Integrity calls us to be the same at all times. Be the people we are called to be, however different from the rest of the world.
Do you know anyone like that? Sometimes it’s easier to think of a person of integrity than to define it. But why is it so important? Integrity is the backbone of society, setting standards that if only a few follow purposefully gives stability and direction to society as a whole. Even as those who strive to consistently follow these standards occasionally stumble and fall, the example set in the legitimacy of their effort elevates the rest of us to try harder to do more. For integrity calls us to be more than we are; challenging us to do better, to work harder, to serve longer. Integrity further asks us to take ourselves seriously, to practice our faith publicly, to live ethically; to say what we mean and do what we say! Is that hard? Absolutely. Is it worth it? That’s up to you. If being dependable, successful and respected as a man or woman of your word, then yes. If being seen as a person who may or may not do what is expected or needed means little to you then the effort may be too much.
Have you ever been disappointed by someone you thought you could depend on or disappointed someone needing to depend on you? What makes us fail? Peer pressure, the strain of being different, anger, careless joy, being put on the spot concerning our faith - in other words, life. If we’re alive, we’ll be challenged. If we associate with people, we’ll be questioned. If we try we will sometimes fail; the difference is whether you get up and try again.
As many of you return to school or are experiencing college for the first time, let me encourage you to be people of integrity. People who prepare themselves as best they can and then do all they know to do academically and spiritually. You will come in contact with a wider variety of people than ever before. Your ideas, ideals, and faith will be questioned and challenged as never before. You will be tempted in ways and to a degree you are not accustomed to. You must respond. You will respond, one way or another; good or bad, better or best. This is what you’ve been wanting; to make your own decisions, to be your own boss. It may appear a little overwhelming at first but you can do it; and you don’t have to do it by yourself. Remember what you’ve been taught in high school, at church and at home and take that knowledge and faith with you. Not to be put on when with others of faith but worn all the time for all to see. Even if everyone doesn’t agree with you they will, in time, come to respect you for being constant in who you are.
The key to Christian integrity is being prepared. Paul encourages us to “...put on (Or clothe yourself with) 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, hardships, temptations - life!) you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.” (Successfully triumphantly firm, steadfast in who you are and what God calls you to be. The true definition of success.) Ephesians 6:13 How do I do that? There are so many issues out there in the real world. Does the Bible really relate to this day and age, can it really speak to us where we’re at now? Where do I go for answers? The Bible should be studied as a whole but for some really practical every-day advice and keys to Christianity I’d suggest you go to Matthew 5,6, and 7. They deal with attitude, involvement in society, and God’s expectations of us. The issues of murder, both in body and spirit are dealt with as well as adultery, divorce, legal agreements and the value of your word; retribution and revenge, love, giving, social concerns and prayer. Establishing a savings plan, worry, judgmental decisions, seeking God and faithfulness in life, as well as the Holy Spirit, are all there too. Does that about cover it? In three short chapters!
What does God specifically say concerning integrity? In particular, He describes those who lack it as being double-minded; saying one thing, doing another - being indecisive and doubtful when the situation calls for bold, straight-forward action. As Christians, we represent him to all we come in contact with. People’s first and maybe 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, erratic in his lifestyle and unstable in his witness to others is “...like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.” He is here and there, believes one thing then another, handling problems first this way then that way. “...a double-minded man, unstable in all he does.” “That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord,” James 1:6-8
Our prayer should be, “Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.” Psalm 51:10 And what should our contribution to this process be? KNOW THE MATERIAL! That is true whether it be in your studies for a secular career or your “career” as a Christian. By doing so, “...you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is - his good, pleasing and perfect will.” Romans 12:2
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Fred Price - married (50 years), father of two grown children, grandfather of six.
Fred retired earlier this year after 42 years as a factory worker. He has always had a heart for young people and the challenges they face today. Over the years Fred has taught Discipleship Groups for High School and college students.
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