Penn State officials dropped the ball of integrity, big time. As a result, lives were ruined, 111 victories were lost, and a whopping $60 million gone.  It also forfeits what was once a bright future. It will never get back what was lost.

Integrity seems to be in short supply today, not just in athletics and businesses, but also in relationships. When we forfeit integrity, we lose. Period.  The word “integrity” is thrown out a lot, but when you boil it all down, it’s simply a disciplined way of doing the right thing, all the time, no matter what it costs you. Integrity is about doing the right thing when no one else is looking. Integrity is about living for long term success rather than short term gain.

Here are 4 ways to be a person of integrity:

1.    Live a life of consistency.

Most of us, in small or big ways, live compartmentalized lives. We have our home life, work life, church life, social life, and online life. We are one person with our family, another person with our friends, and still another person at work.  But that’s not how it should be. We must strive to live lives of consistency and genuineness wherever we are and whomever we are with. Consistency is key to integrity and to being a role model for kids as well.

2.    Live for others ahead of yourself:

The root enemy of integrity is selfishness. It’s tough to do the right thing when we are consistently focused on personal, short term gain. The “Golden Rule” requires treating others the way we would like to be treated.

3.    Partner with a virtuous friend:

Step up your game by asking a friend to hold your feet to the fire where necessary. Some people call it “accountability.” I call it good old fashioned friendship. Get together regularly with a friend who you can share your struggles and temptations with and ask him to help you live a life of integrity.

4.    Share everything with your spouse:

You should always be honest with your spouse and speak the truth in love. That means no secrets. Telling the Truth in your marriage is key for a person of integrity.

Why is integrity important? How do you ensure that you and your kids are living lives of integrity? Please share your comments.