Post #5 On integrated living...

I am fascinated by language. I love learning about the original meanings of words; the ways in which a word would have been used; how that meaning may have changed over time and setting. One word that has popped up lately is "integrity." I want to point out a few thought regarding this word that I find interesting.

First, the word comes from the same Greek root as "integrated" and "integer".
"Integrated" means that parts come together to form something whole. "Integer" means something that has been untouched, or something that remains whole. It is usually a mathematical concept.

The point of this is that "integrity" has an implied definition of wholeness or completeness.

The Hebrew word "Shalom" is often rendered "peace." However, a more accurate translation would be "wholeness of God" or "complete in God."

This is where "integrity" becomes an interesting word. Integrity and shalom have very similar aspects. If we are whole or complete, we will be integrated. We will not be divided, duplicitous, or hypocritical.

I say all of that to say this: If we are experiencing life as completely and wholly as we can, we have less reason to be fragmented. We have less duplicity and hypocrisy.

Ultimately, by experiencing shalom we will maintain our wholeness, our integrity.