Integrity

This morning in my study group (Old Testament this year) we were discussing the life of Job, and what struck me the most during my reading of these chapters was his unwavering devotion to truth and righteousness, in its purity.  The Lord refers to Job as a "perfect" man and I believe he was referring to the state of his heart . . . his heart, mind, and soul being filled with perfect integrity . . .

"Till I die I will not remove mine integrity from me. 
My righteousness I hold fast, and will not let it go."

Job 27:5-6

I found this insight into the scripture from my little book of daily Old Testament scriptures and thoughts:

"Those who have integrity live with a whole and complete heart.  They have no secret places, no hypocrisy - what you see is what you get.  Such individuals strive daily to choose the right and choose it for the right reasons.  They have fused right actions with pure motives.  They act out of love rather than for outward appearance.  They show their family the same courtesies and respect they show acquaintances and strangers.  They uphold sacred truths regardless of circumstance.  This "integrity of heart" keeps them faithful and strong even when surrounded by a world of temptation and difficulty.  Like Job, no matter what, they persevere in righteousness and testimony.  People with integrity know that life is a process of growth.  They find the strength to change, because they "[love] that which is right" (D&C 124:15).  They learn from shortcomings, ask forgiveness, and cleave unwaveringly to truth."

It was an uplifting and spiritual conversation (as always) with my dear study group friends . . . I leave refreshed and rededicated every Thursday, especially on beautiful mornings like today when we have our discussions on Anita's deck surrounded by trees rustling in the breeze and the sound of the creek underneath.  Indeed, I am so blessed!