Mark Twain once quipped that the benefit of always being honest was that you did not have to remember what you had said previously! Conversely, liars are constantly in danger of tripping over their words. A life that is inconsistent invariably comes unraveled.
Having integrity means that something is consistent throughout. What you see on the outside is what is on the inside. Something with integrity is not contaminated with impurities. When you relate to someone with integrity, you know what to expect, every time.
Having integrity does not insulate you from difficulties, but it does protect you from problems that result from a lack of integrity! Employers are looking for people they can trust. They fire those they cannot. People befriend those who are honest and reliable. People remain aloof from those who are not. Enemies quickly pounce on our inconsistencies. Those who live consistent lives have nothing to fear. Living with integrity means you can sleep peacefully at night!
Others, however, have perverted their way. Perhaps in an effort to get ahead they lied on their resume or on their expense report. They may have misrepresented themselves to a client. Now they must live in constant fear of being found out. They must remember the lies they told. They must cover their tracks. They must live with the tumultuous relationships that result from living inconsistently with others.
Are you living your life with integrity? If you are, no surprise visit, sudden audit, annual job review, phone call, or pop quiz will unsettle you. If you are not living with integrity, this may be the day your evil deeds are uncovered.