I happened across a theology blog today. By coincidence, the post I read was titled “Integrity vs. Loyalty.” Both of those character traits have been on my mind lately, but I must admit that I hadn’t looked at them as being opposites.
Just in case you’re interested, here’s the link to Parchment & Pen.
To question someone’s integrity isn’t necessarily to call them a liar. But it is the same as calling them corrupt. The word “integrity” can mean whatever the user wants it to mean, but at root it means that someone is whole and complete. In the sphere of political commentary and opinion, I don’t have to worry about my own integrity. I’ve written so many thousands of words that the wholeness can’t help but come through. You can’t really measure someone’s integrity unless you can understand them. Understanding requires dialogue, a give and take that allows for clarity. By writing opinionatedly, a writer invites others to judge his integrity, measuring it by its consistency.
Blogging, then, keeps me honest.
But loyalty is the character trait I value most, and the gift I give to my friends. I told one friend (acquaintance? colleague?) this week that I do have a weakness…I assume that everyone I offer friendship to is my friend. He laughed. Hard.
Loyalty given is to defend a friend whether she’s present or absent. Loyalty seeks to advance the causes of others. And true loyalty is to continue to do so when that loyalty isn’t returned.
Loyalty received is to be able to go into battle, figurative or otherwise, and know that someone has your back, will guard your flanks, and defend you whether you are present or absent.
Loyalty transcends disagreement, even insults and slights. Loyalty among friends is presumed.
So when you discover that loyalty is replaced by betrayal, you are left with your integrity. And one less friend.
