Integrity Reimagined

When we hear the word integrity, we tend to think of not cheating on taxes, or not lying to your spouse about why you were out late. That is, I suppose, a bear bones definition, but it seriously undermines the real power of the word.

Dr. Henry Cloud, on page 31 of his book Integrity, expands our thinking in this way: "The origins of the word we can see in the French and Latin meanings of intact, integrate, integral, and entirety. The concept means that the "whole thing is working well, undivided, integrated, intact, and uncorrupted." When we are talking about integrity, we are talking about being a whole person, an integrated person, with all of our different parts working well and delivering the functions that they were designed to deliver. It is about wholeness and effectiveness as people. It truly is "running on all cylinders."

Wouldn't it be great to be that kind of person? Or to be a person living that way? When I read Dr. Cloud's definition, I think of the freedom that Jesus wants to bring us. I think of the gospel of wholeness, and how this is a significant part of the good news that Jesus brings us - namely, that this kind of life is possible for us and he can empower us and show us how to live it.