WF Pride

Integrity

Chad Cottingham

I remember getting our first computer in the fall of 1997. Kristen and I were so excited to get that new ‘Gateway 200’ all set up. We didn’t care that we had just spent nearly $2000 dollars on it – almost our entire savings – it was worth it to us. Connecting to the internet for the first time from home was exhilarating. Listening to that old dial-up tone connecting was music to our ears – I can hear it now. Looking back at that computer makes me think, wow! How did we ever survive? We wasted more time waiting for one picture to download than for water to boil.

Nowadays, everyone has their own computer – phones, IPads, laptops, etc… The speeds, capabilities and efficiencies are absolutely amazing and have improved our lives in many ways. As much as the upgrades in technology have improved our lives, they have also come with some huge challenges and problems that the creators and designers never imagined. Predators have used social media and gaming sites to prey on our children. Couples have divorced after meeting strangers on dating sites and chat rooms. Pornography is at an all-time high and is easily accessible to anyone. These are just a few examples, but what they have in common, is that they are done in secret when no one else is looking.

These issues are challenging the integrity of people. The following is the definition of Integrity: the quality of being honest and having strong moral principles; moral uprightness. Here are some synonyms of integrity: honesty, honor, good character, principle(s), ethics, morals, righteousness, morality, virtue, decency, fairness, scrupulousness, sincerity, truthfulness, trustworthiness.

Being a man or woman with integrity is easier when surrounded by others – family, co-workers, friends, etc… But are you still a person of integrity when no one is around? When you are searching the internet? You may not think anyone sees your actions, but God does. He sees everything we do.
1 Timothy 5:24 – Remember, the sins of some people are obvious, leading them to certain judgment. But there are others whose sins will not be revealed until later. ~NLT

John 3:20 – All who do evil hate the light and refuse to go near it for fear their sins will be exposed. ~NLT
Dear Lord and Heavenly Father, help us to be men and women of integrity at all times – especially when no one is looking. Help us draw closer to you in all we do and forgive us when we stumble. It’s in Jesus name I pray, Amen.