Ready:
“The one who lives with integrity lives securely, but whoever perverts his ways will be found out.” —Притчи 10:9
Set:
Here’s a helpful definition of integrity used by FCA: “To have integrity means that you are committed to Christ-like wholeness, both privately and publicly. Basically, it means to live without gaps.” Perhaps you’re committed to following Jesus. But are there some “gaps” in this commitment: some areas of your life where you know you’re not living for Christ, some settings in which you “take plays off” when it comes to really doing what Jesus desires for you? Maybe it’s in some of the things you do or say as an athlete or coach. Maybe it’s in your private life.
According to Proverbs 10:9, when there are gaps in our integrity—times when we “pervert our ways” rather than fully following Jesus—this will be found out. Even if they seem relatively small, these gaps undermine us and our impact for the Lord. On the flipside, when we pursue Christ-like wholeness in all areas—even in those things that seem relatively minor—we live wisely because we’re honoring the Lord.
How do we consistently compete and live with integrity? We trust the resources God provides. Integrity is not automatic. We need wisdom and power to choose integrity in every situation. As Paul’s prayer in Colossians 1 reiterates, we look to God so that we “may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding” (v. 9). As we depend upon Him, we are “strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might” (v. 11). We can trust the Lord to give us His wisdom and power so we can pursue integrity.
We also compete and live with integrity through continually reinforcing this value. Integrity is not easy. We’re often around others who choose something other than God’s ways. Like any foundational skill in sports, integrity must be practiced and reinforced day by day. We need to intentionally build relationships with people who will encourage us and hold us accountable to pursue integrity. The wisdom of Proverbs 27:17 guides us: “Iron sharpens iron, and one person sharpens another.”
Make it your goal to compete and live with uncompromising integrity. Remember, “the one who lives with integrity lives securely.”
Go:
As you consider how you compete and live, where are there gaps in your integrity?
What steps can you take to depend upon God and reinforce Christ-like wholeness in every area?
Workout:
Overtime:
“Lord, I praise You because You provide me with everything I need to trust and follow You. As You show me where there are gaps in my integrity, I want to repent and renew my dependence upon You. I desire to compete and live with a wholeness that honors You. Amen.”