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Subject: Living With Integrity
Date: June 5, 2001
Integrity is something you recognize when you see it. What does it look like
and what makes it so attractive? It consists of honesty and commitment. It
is what every person would love to be recognized for. Integrity often means
taking the hard road and doing the difficult, but the right thing. There are
tremendous rewards when we stand up to live a life of integrity. Please join
us as we discuss how truly integrate integrity into our lives.
-Describe a woman with integrity.
-What does the word integrity mean?
-How does one apply the truth of the Bible to our lives?
-How do we pass on values of integrity to those who are under our influence
at work or at home?
-How do we apply these concepts to challenging situations at work or in the
community?
-How does the Holy Spirit help us to live lives of integrity?
hi you two
Shey
Hi
cwt
how are you today?
Shey
good
Shey
how are you?
cwt
pretty good. Just a sec. I have to check on something. Be right back
cwt
sorry.
Shey
not a problem
cwt
We are supposed to be discussing integrity today, and I wanted to change the title...but I don't think I can
do that from here...
cwt
WightDreamer, have you been here before?
cwt
Don't worry. It's ok if you just want to sit and watch...
cwt
Shey, where do you hail from. I'm in Alberta
Shey
I am is northern Alberta
cwt
Did you get some rain up that way recently?
cwt
We've basically had two days of good rain here. Million dollar rain they are calling it....
Shey
just last night and it's cloudy today
cwt
here too. cloudy and cool. should help some.
Shey
yes the farmers can use it
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cwt
hi blessing!
blessing
hi there!
cwt
Hi kat
blessing
good to see you all
kat_
hi there..how is everyone today?
blessing
doing well!
kat_
good'
kat_
what is the discussion about this morning?
cwt
Is this your first time kat?
kat_
no, I have come once before :)
cwt
It is about being a woman of integrity...
kat_
aww..good subject
cwt
"Living with integrity..." I guess that works for us women too eh? LOL!
kat_
hehe
blessing
you bet especially in today's world
cwt
yes. should be good...
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kat_
It is hard sometimes, but well worth it
cwt
Hi Laurie. good to see you.
kat_
hi Laurie
blessing
hi laurie, welcome
cwt
HA! read you...
Laurie
Hi everyone!
cwt
Well, the topic for today is "Living with Integrity". Let's open in a word of prayer
cwt
Dear Lord. Thank you for being a God who is close and cares. guide our talk today, and help us discover
how we can live with integrity in all we do and say.
local
[332] Living with Integrity
blessing
thank you Lord for your direction this morning
kat_
amen
cwt
ok. how would you all describe a woman of integrity?
kat_
she is honest in all things..
Laurie
Honest. Doesn't try to get away with something because others may or may not be watching.
blessing
I look at someone who does the right thing when it is difficult under pressure
cwt
That is a good one blessing.
cwt
Being the same no matter who is looking...!
kat_
amen blessing
kat_
yes
blessing
that is good cwt
cwt
It is so easy to pretend to be something you are not to impress someone...
blessing
isn't that true, so it is being authentic
cwt
That seems to be pretty hard to find these days. It is too easy to pull out a mask and hide
Laurie
Not changing to suit whatever circumstances we are in.
cwt
true Laurie
blessing
yes, not waffling on our value system
kat_
I think true intregity comes from a right relationship with our Lord Jesus..
blessing
yes kat, that certainly sets the right foundation for integrity
cwt
that is true kat. We have to be honest with him and ourselves first...
cwt
That can be painful sometimes...
cwt
integrity would work with the pain and acknowledge it, I think
kat_
Whenever I act a certain way, or do a certain thing that points to the kind of intregity I do or do not have, I
remember my Jesus is watching my actions :)
cwt
I mean when something is pointed out that is wrong in our lives - integrity would say "That is true, I need to
work on that".
kat_
amen cwt..amen
blessing
when the Holy Spirit convicts us, we need to do a check on our level of integrity
kat_
It is so easy to put up walls..to denie
Laurie
That is true.
cwt
right Kat. Deny. Doesn't get us very far....
blessing
yes to put up walls, or to compromise
cwt
sometimes easier to deny than to deal with something tho. That's whay I meant by the pain that having
integrity can bring sometimes.
cwt
Why is it sometimes so difficult to have integrity? What is it that stops us?
blessing
many times it is pressure from others
Laurie
We worry too much about what others will think.
blessing
so true
cwt
yes. Peer pressure...
cwt
that is true Laurie
cwt
Can fear have a play in lack of integrity?
Shey
getting our own way. We want something so bad we'll get how ever we can
cwt
that is a scarey one Shey. good point.
blessing
that is a good question, I think that fear of the Lord that involves a reverential respect of His authority and
His ways can motivate us to live lives of integrity
Laurie
It could. But if we learn God's requirements and strive to fulfill them he will offer protection every step of the
way.
blessing
He sure does, Psalm 112 talks about that
cwt
yes. Remember the verse in proverbs? The fear of man brings a snare. It is so easy to worry about what
someone else thinks of us...and be afraid that they may reject us
kat_
how funny..I just had a live example of intregity..dealing with a bill collector..was I going to answer phone
and talk or not deal with it honestly ?
cwt
Oh my!
kat_
I decided to talk with him and tell him the truth..wow, how interesting :)
cwt
so are how are you feeling now?
blessing
good illustration, by avoiding the issue are we living with integrity?
cwt
good question blessing...
kat_
I feel sad we cannot pay him, but a peace from Jesus I did the right thing by not hiding and being honest
cwt
great Kat.
kat_
cool
cwt
I think we still have to deal with situations honestly.
blessing
for sure, integrity speaks loudly to others when our actions match our beliefs
kat_
yes, it does
blessing
it is a powerful statement to others about Christ
Laurie
Very true. None of this do as I say not as I do.
blessing
yes, and what an example to our kids!
blessing
good for you kat, for doing the right thing!
kat_
especually with our kids..they watch our actions and how we handle things..
cwt
so easy to avoid and tell a little white lie to cover up---and then wonder why we find our kids telling lies...
kat_
thanks blessing :)
cwt
not easy to do, but I think God does honor integrity...
blessing
yes, or even to exaggerate, don;t you think that this crosses the line as well?
kat_
amen cwt
kat_
I do
cwt
Yes. I think so blessing.
cwt
I guess there is a bit of a fine line there...
blessing
I think that ingreity is as powerful and as important in the minor things as well as the big issues
cwt
when you are telling a story it is kinda fun to exaggerate...is that lack of integrity?
cwt
like I caught a fish....THIS BIG>>>>>!!!!
kat_
I think it might be the motive of ones heart..our pastor will really stretch a story, but always says "just
kidding"
Laurie
Well, depending on the person, I find some people just naturally try to embellish. I am not sure if they realize
what they are doing.
kat_
that is true Laurie
cwt
Yes. I've seen that too.
cwt
Motive is a good point Kat.
blessing
for sure, some do it to get the laugh, but in all honesty I think we have to be careful how we communicate
things
kat_
The sad thing there is that I have a tendacy to not believe someone who may choose to stretch things
cwt
I know God had to deal with me once on that -- to be careful to tell the truth as it happened...
blessing
yes, me too, you can begin to doubt their character
cwt
Yeah...so maybe what you are doubting is actually their integrity....
blessing
yes you are right
cwt
telling the truth, being the 'truth'...?
kat_
I had a spirit of lying before I was saved..the Lord delivered me instantly when I gave my life to Him..so I
can pick up instantly when someone is not honest with me
blessing
yes walking in the truth
cwt
Bet your kids love that (if you have any...) GRIN
blessing
that is a great story kat
Shey
and it also depends who you are with. Whether they know you for your joking or not
blessing
so now it is like you have the gift of discernment
blessing
so true shey
cwt
Good point Shey. Facial expressions and personality make a difference don't they.
kat_
My kids hate that they cannot lie to me..they start to laugh when not being honest..:)
Laurie
That is true, Shey.
blessing
some friends are just plain humorous, and it is okay if they embellish a story at times to make us laugh
kat_
right blessings..
cwt
If I'm guilty of anything...that's me....I can be pretty crazy...
blessing
guilt is a hard thing to live with if you are walking with the Holy Spirit because He will convict you
cwt
to be funny but still honest...but sometimes being so honest can be really funny - especially if you can poke
fun at yourself...
Laurie
That is good, to be able to laugh at yourself.
cwt
That's right blessing.
blessing
do you think by doing the right thing and living with integrity guarentees success?
cwt
Integrity isn't always honored today...
kat_
Sucess in the Lord..not always in world, sadly enough
Laurie
We always need to remember that if we are not a success by God's standards then we have not achieved
sucess.
cwt
Sometimes integrity can cost you a job or a friendship...as you say Kat...sadly enough
kat_
amen amen
blessing
that is a great point Laurie
cwt
That is true Laurie. God's measuring stick is quite different
blessing
an act of intergrity may make situations more difficult at times, or even bring about conflict
cwt
I think in a nutshell Laurie hit the nail onthe head. Integrity requires that we view ourselves and our world as
God does...and respond to it in the same fashion.
kat_
I believe if we are honest before the Lord, and have intregity as is pleasing to Him, then He will bring us
everything we need in this life..
Laurie
I mean before God I thought I had everything but I was still empty inside. I didn't feel successful.
blessing
what a comfort that is
kat_
amen Laurie
cwt
yes. relationship with God is so important
blessing
yes Laurie, there is little purpose in life before Christ is invited in
kat_
my deepest desire is to have the mind of Christ and the Heart of my Father
blessing
seems like going through the motions with no goals of significance in mind
blessing
amen kat!
Laurie
So true.
cwt
So how can we pass on integrity to those under our influence....
blessing
but Christ brings such joy and peace and purpose to our lives
kat_
yes, amen cwt
blessing
we need to set a pattern for our kids to live by
kat_
yep
cwt
I think we need to always tell the truth to our kids too...
blessing
sometimes we may think they don't notice things, but they watch all things!
kat_
yes they do
cwt
words and actions too. They are little copy cats...
blessing
and they listen to our conversations with a filter of evalutaion
blessing
don
Shey
our kids are always watching they we how we respond to things
blessing
don'
cwt
always feel like I'm looking in a mirror when I watch my kids...
blessing
don't you thinik that when our kids see us slip up that they lost respect for us?
cwt
Doing so makes me aware of changes I need to make in my life...
blessing
so true cwt,
Laurie
That is true. And some traits we dislike in our children are actually ones we dislike in ourselves.
blessing
yes, because they learned them from us
cwt
good question blessing. Personally, I think honesty with our kids requires when I slip up that I admit and
apologize...
blessing
but what great teaching opportunities when our kids see us in a situation where we can model intregity!
Laurie
Yes. Being able to admit we made a mistake and apologize is important.
cwt
At least that is what we've tried to do here. How can we teach them integrity if we act like we never slip up?
blessing
ffinding money at the grocery store and returning it, or receiving the wrong change and speaking up...
cwt
Isn't that covering up? (I'm perfect...your not...)
kat_
My 17 yr. old son (who has been called to preach), told me the other day when I was complaing of hurting
and needing pills.."mom, when are you going to realise that God is your healer"..when you do he says, you
can be healed..I had said that before to my family, but didn't really live it for me
cwt
some rebuke eh?
kat_
Our kids do listen :)
blessing
we can't let them think that we are perfect... that would frustrate them we have to admit our faults and be
honest with them on what we need to work on ourselves
cwt
I had my child tell me the other day - that I yell too much...ouch....I had to admit that...
Laurie
Mine have said the same thing so I do try to watch it.
blessing
it is the hardest thing to do, especially as they get older...because they ask more questions then!
kat_
I think the most purfect lesson we can teach them is when we can admit to them we blew it !
cwt
There must be some times when we don't tell our kids everything too tho...Not more than they could handle
seems to involve integrity also
blessing
for sure, and teach them that we need to ask for forgiveness for it
kat_
that is right cwt
cwt
wisdom is certainly needed
blessing
yes, the communication is age specific
kat_
and discernment
cwt
amen to that!
blessing
my kids are now 20 and 16, we have some great conversations on doing the right thing in difficult situations
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cwt
Certainly displaying integrity to our children/home is a challenge...what about the work place or church?
What are the callenges there
Laurie
That is nice when they get to an age where they don't think they know it all.
cwt
(sorry, I punched the wrong key)
blessing
isn't that where the rubber meets the road!
blessing
working with other Christians you some times think that there shouldn't be issues like lack of integrity but we
are all human
kat_
One of the things I have learned not to do is when leaving church, if someone has made me unhappy..Not to
talk about it all the way home..that can turn their young minds against church
cwt
Sometimes integrity may include not judging another Christian too.. You can't always tell their motives...
blessing
and we have to remember that God is perfect and man is not
blessing
that is such good advice kat!!
cwt
good point kat.
cwt
So true to watch what you talk about to others
cwt
so often we can interpret things in a negative way - and the other person didn't really mean it that way...
cwt
Wouldn't integrity require examination of what was really said...and correct interpretation?
blessing
I once heard a great sermon on what we say... he said that you need to THINK before you speak, T for is it
true?, H for is it helpful, I for is it inspiring?, N for is it necessary and K for is it kind
kat_
yes
cwt
(I'm guilty of that one...misinterpretation...
cwt
OH. That is a good one blessing....!!
kat_
cool
Shey
it's probably better to just ignore it or if it really hurt to let the person know how what the said or did hurt
you
blessing
this pastor also said that if it can't be said from the pulpit then don't say it
kat_
good point
blessing
but isn't it hard to live out these things when we get run down, tired or stressed?
cwt
What do we do if someone isn't showing integrity...say in the work place or church? do we bear any
responsibility?
cwt
Yes. absolutely blessing.
Laurie
We do have to be careful. When I was new to church there were some people in a group I was in that kind
of were into "grey issues". It really turned me off and I thought I wonder if all Christians act one way on
Sunday and another the rest of the week.
kat_
our pastor has been talking on "offences"..how to handle them, because they can split up a church
cwt
that is a hard one Laurie.
cwt
Some of this is a matter of conscience too...
blessing
Matthew 18 talks about going to someone who has sinned and talking to them, that is the first step
cwt
sounds interesting kat
kat_
What is our responcibity if someone is showing lack of intregity around us?
blessing
it is so difficult when those issues come to light, but we are to do the right thing and confront people in a
loving way
cwt
I'd pray first...and ask God if there is something I ought to do about it...
Laurie
Then I started observing the people who were really living out their faith and decided they were not all like
some of the other people. I shouldn't have judged anyone but the lack of integrity did bother me.
kat_
go to them? and if they don't respond, take a witness?
blessing
we can come as a resource, and offer to pray, to get them some council
cwt
I think it depends if the issue is sin or not...
kat_
good point Laurie
blessing
people will always fail us, but God will not
blessing
keep focused on God not people
kat_
amen amen
blessing
for sure cwt
blessing
and pray for discernment
cwt
We have to be careful that we don't pick the toothpick out of someone else's eye while we have a beam in
our own....That doesn't mean don't deal with it...but be sure motives are correct
kat_
amen
Laurie
That is true.
blessing
we also need the Holy Spirit's leading, and that is right cwt, look inward first!
blessing
we all fail,
cwt
I think God will press you on it...if it is something that you ought to work with. god has a tremendous way of
dealing with these things out of our own hands..
kat_
sometimes we may think we are the Holy Spirit..It is His job to change man, our job to just catch them
kat_
hehe
cwt
LOL!
blessing
yes if we walk with the Holy Spirit we will feel conviction to change ourselves or to talk to the person who is
having a problem
cwt
The Holy Spirit is pretty good at catching, don't yout think?
blessing
for sure kat
kat_
He cleans men, we catch them..how funny
blessing
I love that
cwt
put it on a t shirt...
blessing
takes the pressure off us!
cwt
LOL!
blessing
good idea
kat_
I am soooo glad it is not my job to change anyone..it is hard work
Laurie
Well, it wasn't my job to speak to this person. I wasn't even really a Christian yet but I am sure the leader
spoke to her about it.
cwt
Isn't that the truth Kat!
blessing
for sure, our job is to pray
cwt
That shows a good leader Laurie.
kat_
yes it does :)
cwt
I think integrity is something that grows in some respects. We can learn to have more integrity
blessing
good point, so how do we grow in this area?
cwt
I'm sure that lady would be more careful the next time...maybe she learned a lesson?
blessing
and she will grow in intregity, because sometimes getting caught in doing something wrong helps us to
change for the better
cwt
Sometimes a study of the Word on issues of the tongue can help. You become more aware of what the
Word teaches...
kat_
can a person have a stronghold that dosn't allow them to have any kind of intregity?
Laurie
I am not sure what happened with it but I am sure she must have learned something out of it.
cwt
good question kat.
cwt
Doo you mean that they are bound in a certain area?
blessing
wow what a question kat...the enemy can certainly blind us
cwt
I think it will take more work...but that is what the Holy Spirit is all about. Hope. He can work at any
toehold or strong hold if we are willing.
kat_
how can we know if we have a stronghold in this area?
blessing
I think that asking someone who is close to us to tell us if we have an issue in this area
blessing
maybe our husbands or co workers
cwt
I would think if you ask the Lord, he would show you. He always wants to work in our lives...and if we
honestly ask, to look in the mirror (of the Word) he'll show us the truth...
blessing
yes, true cwt
kat_
I mean, if we try until we cannot try anymore, and pray and say all the right verses and it is still there, what is
the next step?
blessing
examine our hearts
cwt
It is contact with the word that really shows up our hearts...
blessing
sometimes a session from a freedom ministry, freeing yourself from the strongholds of the enemy is very
helpful
cwt
Sometiems we need to give ourselves space to grow too. Change doesn't always happen over night...
kat_
ok..thanks :)
cwt
true blessing. Go to prayer counselling.
cwt
Kat, would you like us to pray for you?
kat_
yea..I would..
Laurie
There is a book by Neil Anderson. It shows the steps to freedom in Christ.
cwt
Dear Lord. Thank you for bring Kat with us today. Lord whatever area of stronghold she is sensing in her
life, I pray that you will release her and bring her freedom. amen
kat_
I am in a church that has a controlling spirit and I feel as if I am in bondage..they don't allow is to go to any
other churchs for help
blessing
yes Lord I ask that you would work in kat
kat_
yes, Lord
cwt
May the Lord give you wisdom Kat. You may want to seek out some spiritual mentors outside of the church
for advice
blessing
s's life and do an amazing work of revealing things, of forgiveness, or changing her to be more like you,
Father you work in wonderful ways and we thank you in advance for what you are about to do. Amen
kat_
I honestly don't know who to turn to..
blessing
I must leave girls this has been great!
blessing
have a super day and may God bless each of you!
cwt
See you blessing! Thanks for coming. You are a blessing! GRIN
kat_
bye blessing..
blessing
kat, may you be encouraged that we will continue to pray for you, and that the Lord will answer , He will
lead you to someone who will help you!
cwt
amen blesssing
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kat_
amen
kat_
I am sorry..didn't mean to complain :(
cwt
You are doing fine Kat. That is why we are here...
kat_
thanx :)
cwt
Lets talk a little more about integrity tho.
kat_
ok
cwt
How else can the Holy Spirit help us?
kat_
Maybe by revealing to us our true motives and root reasons for things we do? Then He will walk us thru
healing?
cwt
I think he can show us how to get through the difficult situations...
kat_
yes He can
cwt
good point kat. Do you think we have to ask him to show us those things?
kat_
maybe we do...I just realised that
cwt
The Lord doesn't force himself into our lives. Sometimes we do have to ask Him to show us our own hearts.
It is tricky sometimes to look inside
kat_
amen, cool point
cwt
David prayed "search me oh God..." Perhaps it was integrity that he was talking about...Check me to see if
I'm real...
kat_
awesome..great point !
Laurie
Was that in one of the Psalms?
cwt
That doesn't mean it won't hurt....
cwt
Yes.
cwt
Psalm 139
Laurie
Thank you.
kat_
change hurts sometimes, but well worth it :)
cwt
I was thinking of an old song that has that theme in it also...
cwt
I think the searching and the change go together -- the Holy Spirit does the work...
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Laurie
Kind of like the pastor's sermon this past Sunday. Come and see, Come and follow, become and continue.
cwt
Sounds like a good sermon laurie
cwt
It is a growing process isn't it...
Laurie
It was and I learned a lot.
kat_
have great day ladies..need to leave..thanks for everything and the prayer..be blessed !
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cwt
for all of us....still room to grow...always room to grow...need to grow...
Laurie
You are right, it is a growing process.
cwt
Let's close in a word of prayer...
cwt
Dear Lord. I'm glad you are with us everywhere and in every situation. Help us put into practise the kind of
honesty that is pleasing to you. Both inward and outward. amen.
Laurie
Amen
cwt
Thanks for coming Laurie.
Laurie
Thank you for the session. This has been great.
cwt
Hope you come again Wightdreamer...
cwt
maybe you can join us again sometime.
Laurie
Have a good afternoon.
cwt
you too. and God bless.
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cwt
Have a good day all. bye
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anne
Type HEREHello
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sun_shine_2001
hello everyone
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mmm
anyone here?
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mmm
hi mama
mmm
have you been here before?
mamaone
Type HERE Hi there!
mamaone
No, this is my very first time in a chatroom
mmm
how did you find out about it?
mamaone
through the american baby website
mmm
So you have Babies- I have 7 grandchildren
mamaone
WoW! I just had my first baby 6 months ago.
mmm
That's great - my daughter just had Emme who is 3month old love just like my own
mmm
Life changes after kids - but what a blessing
mamaone
Babies are a lot of fun, but also a big responsibility. My Baby-Jaedon is teething right now and crabby for
the most part. Otherwise he is a great, happy Baby. And yes, you will never be the same, afte you have a
Baby
mmm
That's a cute name - how did you come up with it?
mamaone
I found it in a name book. It is hebrew and means "God has heard"
mmm
That is so wonderful - you looked up the meaning - I believe names mean alot-
mamaone
I believe that too
mmm
Our daughter name means flower and she is a flower and our one boy's name meants honest and honor and
that is what he is
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mamaone
I totally believe that a name resembles a person.
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