integrity illumination

I had a hard time this week trying to put integrity into practice in my life. I did some thinking, and I figured out that the majority of my difficulties stemmed from the fact that integrity is a noun. There is no use of the word integrity as a verb, and so it is therefore, difficult to put into action. It is in fact, quite difficult to use in a sentence because there are no other forms of the word...integritable, integritally... they just don't work. 

As a side note: I became aware of how hard it is to put something into action when you are unable to really internalize, understand, or even have a replete vocabulary for it. This is something that a series of courses by a Baha'i foundation is hoping to combat as young people in our world are growing up not having a vocabulary for positive qualities, and therefore being unable to manifest them. I understood how it could be a problem before, but now I can relate to it.

So I tried to put integrity into broader context to gain a better idea. Most of the quotes in the book Sacred Moments, pertaining to this virtue, had to do with the idea of a strong foundation. There was a quote from Matthew 7 which talked about building your house on rock instead of sand. Those who build their homes on rock will withstand the rain and wind and storms. 

I know the rock that I want to build my life on is Baha'u'llah's teachings, and so when I came across an address that Abdu'l-Baha gave to some american believers in December of 1912 I thought it was worth sharing. His words are powerful and straightforward, and He is calling all people to a higher level of integrity. It reminds me of the poem Desiderata, good words to live by.

"You must manifest complete love and affection towards all mankind. Do not exalt yourselves above others but consider all as your equals, recognizing them as the servants of one God. Know that God is compassionate towards all, therefore love all from the depths of your hearts, prefer all religionists to yourselves, be filled with love for every race and be kind towards the people of all nationalities. Never speak disparagingly of others but praise without distinction. Pollute not your tongues by speaking evil of another. Recognize your enemies as your friends and consider those who wish you evil as the wishers of good. You must not see evil as evil and then compromise with your opinion, for to treat in a smooth, kindly way one whom you consider evil or an enemy is hypocrisy and this is not worthy nor allowable. No! You must consider your enemies as your friends, look upon your evil-wishers as your well-wishers and treat them accordingly. Act in such a way that your heart may be free from hatred. Let not your heart be offended with any one. If some one commits an error and wrong towards you, you must instantly forgive him. Do not complain of others. Refrain from reprimanding them and if you wish to give admonition or advice let it be offered in such a way that it will not burden the heart of the hearer. Turn all your thoughts towards bringing joy to hearts. 

Beware! Beware! Lest ye offend any heart. Assist the world of humanity as much as possible. Be the source of consolation to every sad one, assist every weak one, be helpful to every indigent one, be the cause of glorification to every lowly one and shelter those who are overshadowed with fear.

In brief, let each of you be as a lamp shining forth with the virtues of the world of humanity. Be trustworthy, sincere, affectionate, and replete with chastity. Be illumined, be spiritual, be divine, be glorious, be quickened of God. Be a Baha'i."