Integrity Is Transparent and Humble

I will never concede that you are right; I will defend my integrity until I die. [Job 27.5]

I know a guy like this.  He once told me, "No one is going to question my integrity!"

But here's the deal...  As long as I look outwardly at Job (or anyone else for that matter) and fail to look inwardly at myself, I am no different than Job or the guy mentioned above who both refused to take a hard look at themselves in the mirror!

A man does not have integrity because he says he has it.  A man has integrity because he first walks in it and consequently then others see and recognize it for what it is.

In Job's case, there were no particular events pointing to his indiscretions.  However, in his defense of himself we see what began as a subtle 'eyebrow-raiser,' eventually become  full-blown arrogance and pride.  Yes, Job's sinfulness was not found in his actions toward others, but in his estimation of himself.

Unfortunately, it is in Job's mistaken estimation of himself that I most see my own similarity.  I too have a very difficult time seeing and acknowledging my own potential for shortcomings or failures.  I find it quite uncomfortable when I am questioned.  I much prefer not to be questioned!  I tend to look at my own accomplishments and think they secure some kind of immunity from being questioned.  How Job-ish is that?

If integrity is anything at all, it is first transparent and humble.

Father, I hate to admit it, and even though I am nothing like Job as far as good deeds go, I still see myself in his arrogant and prideful defense of himself.  Where did I ever get the idea I was so special?  Please forgive me for pride and help me to let go of it!