To make ethical choices
Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity and sound speech. (Titus 2:7 ESV)
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When you’ve committed to guiding your life according to godly values, you won’t have to struggle as much with your conscience each time you’re faced with a choice of whether to do the right or wrong thing. That choice will have been made largely in advance, because of your commitment.
If you are faced with the opportunity to take something that’s not yours, to do something you know you shouldn’t, to deceive, to lie, to speak ill of someone, to spread gossip, to violate an agreement you made, to be unfaithful to your spouse, you will have the moral fiber to choose not to do it even if you are tempted—because doing so would violate the values you have determined to live by.
Integrity doesn’t happen naturally; it’s something that is developed both consciously and progressively. You begin by deciding to live with integrity and committing to it. You decide what your value system is, what you stand for, and you pledge to live by that standard. Having made that pledge, you work to strengthen your resolve in doing so.
Your prior commitment to your values makes it easier to make ethical choices and lessens the temptation to compromise your convictions. When you create the habit of doing the right thing, the more you do it, the easier it become. You are responsible for your personal decisions and their outcomes. The sum of your daily decisions is what makes you who you are. [1]
You build trust with others each time you choose integrity over image, truth over convenience, or honor over personal gain. - John C. Maxwell
[1] Anchor Integrity—Part 1
