Integrity
All of God lives fully in Christ (even when Christ was on earth). And in him you have a full and true life. – Colossians 2:9-10a (ICB)
The word integrity has roots in the word integrate, which generally means to bring parts together into a whole. When we think of the word integrity, we sometimes default to the first definition given by our friends over at Merriam-Webster—“the quality of being honest and fair”—rather than the second definition in the same dictionary—“the state of being complete or whole.”
Living with integrity allows us to experience the peace and joy that emerge with overcoming dividedness in its many forms in our lives. It does not mean living without mistakes or bad decisions or struggles. It isn’t easy to live with integrity, especially when we come face-to-face with parts of ourselves that are disappointing or not quite what we’d like.
Over the last few weeks of Lenten listening, I’m convinced that wholeness is God’s desire for us. When we’re whole, we’re able to embrace and share the gifts we’re given. Each and every day is an opportunity to actively live into who God continues to create us to be.
We’re called to live with integrity, to bring forth all of who we are toward wholeness. So, let’s be honest and fair with ourselves and with each other. Let’s open up to how God is drawing us toward true integration within and among each self, attending to the divine presence embedded in every part of Creation.
Because to live a full life is to allow God to live fully in us.
Prayer
Deliver us from dividedness, internally and externally. Invite us fully into the beautiful struggle of living with integrity. Amen.
About the AuthorThe Rev. Phiwa Langeni is the Ambassador for Innovation & Engagement of the United Church of Christ. They are also the Founder of Salus Center, the only LGBTQ resource and community center in Lansing, MI.