Meditation for Perfectionists – Wednesday January 14, 2026
Practicing Integrity
Genesis 40:1-23 “…[Pharoah] restored the chief cupbearer to his position, …but he hanged the chief baker, just as Joseph had said to them in his interpretation.” (vv.21-22).
One day a fellow prisoner asked Joseph to help him understand a confusing dream. After admitting that God gave him discernment, Joseph interpreted the dream. “You will soon be released and have your job back,” said Joseph.
When another prisoner heard the favorable outcome, he asked Joseph to interpret his dream as well. This time the news was not as pleasant. Joseph could have tried to “fix up” the news to be more palatable. But Joseph remained consistent with what he knew to be true. He did not try to manipulate the man’s reaction. He simply told the truth.
God is always pleased with the truth. However, some of us have learned to modify or sugarcoat reality. We may believe that we must keep the peace or should save him from further disappointment or that we need to soften the blow so someone will feel better. Practicing integrity is learning to “be and do” on the outside exactly who and what we are on the inside. Practicing integrity allows us to become whole and complete persons.
Dear Lord, I want to say and do on the outside
the same as I think, feel and believe on the inside.
Please help me.
Copyright Joan C. Webb
For more from Joan Webb visit www.joancwebb.com