Poetry
I N T E G R I T Y
What is this thing called integrity?
Please define this with some clarity
Is this word a kind of relative term?
Does it shift as sand or stand firm?
What is this thing called integrity?
I am asking you with all sincerity
I’ve heard it mentioned a time or two
I’m not sure if it is make believe or true
What is this thing called integrity?
It’s not something seen with regularity
In a world obsessed with money and power
A personality can change by the hour
What is this thing called integrity?
This is a subject of frightening severity
Losing the meaning of something like this
Then something is quiet severely amiss
What is this thing called integrity?
Unfortunately it is something of a rarity
Doing the right thing even out of view
Holding fast and always being true
What is this thing called integrity?
Is this the item of your inquiry?
It is a definition that is simple enough
But the application can be rather tough
Brothers and Sisters,
Is it not terribly frightening that this poem can be applied to a generation of people? At work a discussion came up about the difference between this generation and ours. I am sure that it was done by our predecessors as well. It seems that standards are lowered generation to generation. But then I will read about how “spiritually” attuned is this generation. I’m not here to lay judgment upon any generation. I just think that integrity needs to be addressed to everyone.
I define integrity as doing the right thing even when no one is watching you. Holding true to your commitment (word or deed) is a very valuable commodity that is overlooked by this world. The Lord blessed me yesterday with the opportunity to see integrity in action. My son is a member of a youth league basketball team. They have yet to win based on scores and stats, but I consider them undefeated in a category that holds more value.
I am not a basketball expert by any means, but I have picked up on some of the rules over the years. I may not know them all, but I do know enough to see them get called lopsidedly. I am so proud of my son and his team. They have played several teams in the area that missed out of the fact that the youth league was designed to teach basketball fundamentals and sportsmanship. I have heard and seen enough from these other teams that I wanted to go onto the court and spank the children, their coaches, and parents (if needed). Foul mouthed trashed talking, fouls with intent to injure and embarrass someone else and yet no calls by the officials has been testing my (the Lord’s for I have none of my own) patience to no end. Being a very enthusiastic sports fan and a father I am tempted to loudly voice my opinion (friendly or not). Not our kids though, they will have none of if. Are they getting upset with the talking and cheap shots? Yes. Are they retaliating in any way? No. Do you know how amazing that is? They played basketball by the rules. They didn’t fight. They didn’t argue. They just played good clean basketball. When I was tempted to blow my top, to scream and holler and behave like a fool, these kids did the right thing, they acted with integrity.
God be praised that you can see something so miraculous as children playing and behaving with integrity despite the popularity of doing as others. Just as I am getting frustrated and flabbergasted by the lack of integrity in this world, my God showed me through my son and his teammates that it still around. That God is still in control and working all things for the good.
I pray that the Lord blesses each of you. Peace to you and your house.
Praise God,
Christian
© 2007 Christian Coutts
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God bless!
Janice
I really liked the poem and appreciate all the reading you've been doing for me.
Joan
Thomas