by Bill Pipke | May 17, 2017 | CLI Blog

When my wife was working at a Canadian bank she was trained in how to identify counterfeit money. Although she also had technology like a scanner to support her, the management required that she could instantly and accurately recognize bogus currency. The way they equipped their employees was simple but brilliant. They taught them the unique features embedded in the genuine money. The more my wife learned about the real the easier it became for her to discern the false.

In our pursuit of becoming a person of integrity, we must focus on integrity rather than on corruption.  We must become familiar with integrity. When you and I focus on Integrity, it enables us to instantly discern corrupt and quickly make choices to avoid it. This ability to identify the good is part of what makes Commissioning a Lifestyle of Integrity (CLI) more than an anti-corruption program but a pro-integrity lifestyle.

It is interesting to note that the Britannica Online Encyclopedia definition of corruption is determined by identifying integrity rather than focusing on corruption. It defines corruption as an impairment of integrity or a lack of integrity. By implication then, the way to become a person of integrity is to focus on the good. The way to become a person of integrity to set your affections and actions on what is good.

Here is what integrity looks like:
a) complete, whole, entire, undivided lacking nothing
b) unmarred, sound, in original perfect state, unimpaired
c) fair, true, honest, sincere
d) loving and good
e) praiseworthy and noble
f) just and kind
g) loving and selfless
h) authentic and genuine
Keep your focus there and it will inspire you to become a person of integrity.

But if you focus on everything that is corruption you will feel overwhelmed by evil.  And here is what corruption looks like:
a) spoiling or decomposition
b) infected or tainted
c) putrid or sour
d) depraved or perverse
e) bribery or extortion
f) incorrect or changed inaccurate
g) flawed or damaged
… and the list goes on and on. Remember your focus makes all the difference.

The Bible gives this counsel.
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Phil. 4:8.
I suggest memorizing those words. And from time to time ask yourself, “Where is my focus?