Integrity

We have given up underhanded ways; we refuse to manipulate or to misconstrue God’s word, but by the open statement of truth we commend ourselves to every person’s conscience. 2 Corinthians 4: 2

When Christianity became the official religion of the Roman Empire Christians fell into the temptation to adopt double standards. Aidan’s example, however, was different from the model of Christianity that was being expressed in the church elsewhere. Integrity was a hallmark of Aidan and the Celtic saints.

The highest recommendation of (Aidan’s) teaching to all was that he and his followers lived as they taught…

Such was Aidan’s industry in carrying out and teaching the divine commandment, his diligence in study and keeping vigil, his authority, such as became a priest, in reproving the proud and the mighty … To put it briefly, so far as one can learn from those who knew him, he made it his business to omit none of the commands of the evangelists, the apostles, and the prophets, but he set himself to carry them out in his deeds, so far as he was able. All these things I greatly admire and love in this bishop and I have no doubt that all this was pleasing to God.
Bede

I would be true, for there are those who trust me.
I would be pure, for there are those who care
I would be strong, for there is much to suffer
I would be brave, for there is much to dare.
Howard Arnold Walter

Sift me, O Lord.
Bring all that is false in me into the light
And take it away.
Give me strength to be true
In all I say and think and do.