Integrity

<<honesty, reliability>>

A person with this character quality of rightness, soundness and purity does what is right before God and others, their words and actions consistently matching up – they are "conducting themselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ" (Ps 15:1-5, 32:2; Phil 1:27). They have established a value system by which they judge and respond to life. It is

Am I living so no one can point a finger at me?

what they are, which in turn determines what they do, even if they knew they would never be found out or when no one is watching. It is a heart issue, being true to yourself and treating others with justice (Ps 112:5; Rom 12:17). God, who tests the heart, is pleased with integrity as it reflects His nature – He doesn’t lie, but keeps His word, is righteous, holy and just (Num 23:19; 1 Chr 29:17; Isa 45:21; Tit 1:2; 1 Pet 1:16). Do we maintain our character boundaries and honour our promises or are we hypocrites, who say one thing and do another?

Job was an upright man who feared God and maintained his integrity in spite of severe testing and not even knowing the reason for it (Job 2:3,9, 27:4-6). To attain integrity, a person must pass through a series of experiences designed to test every area of their character.

We are exhorted “to set an example, to live a life worthy of our calling...not only in the sight of God but also in the eyes of man...and not become weary of living an upright life” (2 Cor 8:21; Eph 4:1; 2 Thes 3:13; Tit 2:7). Do we have a reputation for being reliable, trustworthy, fair and honest in all our dealings

Am I a person of integrity?

with people especially in these areas: financial, moral and speech? A person of integrity does not cheat or take advantage of vulnerable folk, hoping they will not find out. Maintaining integrity (which can also be called wholesome character) is a key to not being seduced by sin, for “The integrity of the upright shall guide them” (Prov 11:3). Integrity demands that we consistently put Godly character qualities before other factors in life having this foundation in both our private and public life, in the small matters as well as in the large important areas (Lk 16:10-12). Who we are is much more important than what we do or how we do it.

Do not sacrifice long-term integrity for what appears short-term gain. We are to abstain from all appearance of evil and not just the act itself, but also with our thoughts (Mt 5:28; 1 Thes 5:22). It means, “Striving always to keep your conscience clear before God and man...so they will see your good works

Never do anything that will embarrass you if brought out into the open

and give glory to God” (Mt 5:16; Act 24:16; 1 Pet 3:16). As Christians we should not be able to be bribed or compromised because we are focused on being faithful to God before whom we are ultimately answerable (Act 5:29; Rom 14:12; Col 3:23). Daniel’s accusers could not fault his life; there were no grounds for accusation or evidence of corruption, the only area they could 'accuse" him of was in relation to his devotion to God (Dan 6:4,5). What a testimony. Is this true of me or are there some areas I need to address? The powers of darkness endeavour to gain the advantage over us in a myriad of ways (Eph 6:12; 1 Pet 5:8). As we can only live with true integrity by His power, make this your prayer too, 'Lord, may I walk with integrity’ (Ps 25:21).