Integrity: The quality of possessing and steadfastly adhering to high moral principles or professional standards; the state of being complete or undivided.

This week NY Gov. David Patterson “said he didn't reveal the [multiple] affairs during his time as a senator, Senate minority leader or lieutenant governor because no one had asked him and he came forward [now] because he didn't want the rumors to cloud his governorship."

I wonder how many of us live a lie by remaining silent about our sinful activities because, as Gov. Patterson said, “no one had asked him.” Some of us have the idea that to protect our image we are exempt from being forthright about our weaknesses. This is not to say that we are responsible to tell the world, but as Christians, the bible instructs us to “confess your faults to one another so that you may be healed.” (Jas.5:16)

Each one of us should be in relationship with someone, or a small group of people, to whom we can be completely honest for the purpose of positive growth and change. This should be the goal of every Christian in order to be conformed to the image of Christ.

In the definition above is the word “complete.” If by our silence, or incomplete information, we give the illusion of integrity, this is the same as verbally lying. Patterson didn’t believe that and is now only coming forth with the truth for fear of being blackmailed. How much better it would be if we lived lives that would have no fear of being exposed, whether we are housewives, bankers or elected officials.