On a Scale of 1-10...

This is a question we are often asked: "Rate yourself on a scale of 1-10."

Most of us, when answering, give a number somewhere between 5 and 8. We don't want to seem arrogant by giving ourselves a 10, but don't want to provide ourselves with a 1 either!

After a conversation I had this week with my friend Matt, I see this question a little differently, especially as it relates to integrity.

Matt told me a story about a manager he had while working at UPS. During their annual evaluations, there was a section where you had to rate the person's integrity on a scale of 1 to 10, along with various other traits. The manager told him, "As you know, Matt, when it comes to integrity, there are only two options: 1 or 10. You either have integrity, or you don't. There is no in-between."

That really hit home with me. How many times do we waver on our integrity as if there is a "5 or 6" that somehow justifies our actions? The truth is, you either have it or you don't.

When I was thinking about integrity, one of Zig Ziglar's quotes resonated deeply with me:

With integrity, you have nothing to fear, since you have nothing to hide.

Isn't that the truth?

How many of us, or someone we are talking with, start a sentence with, "Don't tell anyone I told you this..."?

One of the things I try to remind myself is:

If I wouldn't say it in front of the other person I am talking about, then I shouldn't be saying it at all.

If you are worried that someone might overhear you saying something - or that someone would be hurt or disappointed by what you are saying - chances are you are stepping out of your integrity.

Is it kind? Is it true? Is it NECESSARY? If you answer NO to any of those, it doesn't need to be said. Pass your words through these three gates, and if the answer is yes to all three, you have a much better chance of living with integrity - scoring a 10!

And let's be honest - integrity is hard. It isn't easy. When I am faced with a choice, I try to pause and ask myself:

If my boss, spouse, child - or Jesus - were standing beside me right now, would I still say or do what I am about to?

Chances are, if one of those people were right next to us, we would act differently.

There is a verse in the Bible that captures this perfectly. One we don't hear or study too often, from the book of Titus:

In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness, and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned. (Titus 2:7-8)

If we spoke, acted, and lived in a way that could never be condemned, can you imagine the peace we would feel - never worrying about being "found out"?

Today, I am reminding myself that when it comes to integrity, there is no grade between 1 and 10.

You either have it or you don't.

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