Integrity
So throughout the month of July, some of my Team Beachbody coaches are in the Beachbody Coaches Cup Challenge. One of the things that I am having my coaches do is read John Maxwell's, "How to Influence People". He has so many wonderful insights. This last week we covered the Introduction and Chapter 1. I couldn't highlight enough! But in a nutshell, the main themes that encouraged, convicted, and motivated me were concerning where our focus lies (self or on others), and integrity.
According to John Maxwell (2013), the great Jackie Robinson noted, that "A life isn't significant except for its impact on other lives" (p. 15). This concept is not new, according to Romans 15:1-2 Paul said "Now we who are strong have an obligation to bear the weaknesses of those without strength, and not to please ourselves. Each one of us must please his neighbor for his good, to build him up." This doesn't mean that we let others "walk all over us" and take advantage of us but the purpose is that we edify and encourage so that..."[we] may may live in harmony with one another, according to the command of Christ Jesus, so that [we and they] may glorify God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ with a united voice" (vs. 5b,6). Through our encouragement and edification of, motivation, and service to others we are living examples of Christ's love and bring glory and honor to Him.
In one of Frank Sinatra's (my favorite singer) bibliographies (I can't remember which), the author wrote that "Reputation is what men think of us, but our character is what God and angels know of us!" Maxwell (2013) stated that our focus should be more on our inner character than on what others think about us, "If I take care of my character, my reputation will take care of itself" (p. 26). How true these are, yet how often is our focus on what others think, or may think? Integrity is a primary necessity for our character to precede us. If our focus is truly on helping others then we must be individuals of integrity.
According to Maxwell (2013), "Integrity commits itself to character over personal gain, to people over things, to service over power, to principle over convenience, and to the long view over the immediate" (p. 24). He stated that when others know that our goal is to add value to their life and we have shown to be a person of integrity, then they do not have to guess our motives.
What do people think about your motives? What would they say about your integrity if your life was done and you had no more opportunities to display it? If your answers are not what you desire, then change it! There is a magic formula...put the needs of others before yourself, before the "sale", before the job, before the agenda, and before the time constraints.
"Just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life--a ransom for many" (HCSB, Matthew 20:28).
References
Maxwell, J., Dornan, J. (2013). How to influence people: Make a difference in your world. Nashville, TN: Maxwell Motivation, Inc.
HCSB. (2010). HCSB study bible. Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers.
