The 2021 Olympics are looming! Between July 23 and August 8, we will be awed by new world records, stories of overcomers, and testimonies of perseverance. We will watch and cheer wildly as athletes compete and attempt the ‘never been done before.’

Jesus exemplified that ‘never been done before’ in that He lived the perfect life, never giving in to the temptation of sin. Even His enemies admitted that Jesus was a “man of integrity.”

According to Siri, integrity is “the quality of being honest and having strong moral principles; moral uprightness.” If we think about it, we hope that everyone we deal with, whether a banker or babysitter, mechanic or mail carrier, friend or family member, is a person of integrity.

In the book of Proverbs, righteousness and integrity seem to go hand in hand. “The integrity of the upright guides them” (11:3) and “Righteousness guards the man of integrity” (13:6).

God has set the bar high for believers. We are to be people of integrity and righteousness. The Apostle Paul wrote, “You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness” (Ephesians 4:22-24).

Paul goes on in Ephesians 4 to give examples of righteousness. Speak truthfully and with wholesomeness, deal with anger issues, don’t steal, share with the needy, and get rid of bitterness, rage, brawling, slander, and malice. Instead, be kind, compassionate, and forgiving.

Looks like we have plenty to work on. May we aim high and with the help of Jesus, begin acting a little more like Jesus. May we practice and persevere.