Integrity

I have been attending an educational technology conference this week.  Yesterday I went to a session on Virtual Integrity.  The speaker was pretty good as he talked about honesty, morality, and being authentic with your online presence.  However, I was thinking – why?  If I am not a Christian, why would I want to do that?  What is integrity based on if it is not based on the absolute truth of God’s Word.

With that in mind, I decided to look at what Biblical integrity looks like.

I think integrity comes from obedience to God’s Word.  If I am obedient to the principles of the Word, then I will be honest, truthful, and reliable.  I will keep my word even when it isn’t convenient.  I will do my best even when no one is looking.  I will be honest even when it hurts.

Psalm 15

“Lord, who may dwell in your sacred tent?
Who may live on your holy mountain?

2 The one whose walk is blameless,
who does what is righteous,
who speaks the truth from their heart;

3 whose tongue utters no slander,
who does no wrong to a neighbor,
and casts no slur on others;

4 who despises a vile person
but honors those who fear the Lord;
who keeps an oath even when it hurts,
and does not change their mind;

5 who lends money to the poor without interest;
who does not accept a bribe against the innocent.
Whoever does these things
will never be shaken.”

Integrity is the application of character.  It is the demonstration of who we are in Christ and that our faith is real because it is backed up with our attitudes, actions, and words.  The absence of integrity is an indication that our faith may not be genuine.  It is essential that as we grow in our relationship with the Lord that we allow Him to transform us.  (Romans 12)

We are called to live lives of integrity.  We are to be true to our word.  We are to guard our tongues.  We are to be truthful and honest.  We are to represent Christ – after all He is living in us! 

So, are you a person of integrity? If we claim to follow Christ, then it is imperative that our lives reflect Him.  Are you living out what you say you believe?

Zechariah 8:16-17

“These are the things you are to do: Speak the truth to each other, and render true and sound judgment in your courts; do not plot evil against each other, and do not love to swear falsely. I hate all this,” declares the Lord.”

As Christians, we are held to a higher standard than others.  A standard of truth, love, honesty, and excellence.  We are to place character above ambition.  We are to focus on glorifying God and not ourselves.  We are to do the right thing all the time without fear.  We are put into practice everything we learned from the Word.  We are to be willing to do this without first considering our own comfort, convenience, or challenges. 

Ephesians 2:8-9

“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast.”

We become a Christian by faith.  Our maturity in our faith is somewhat determined by the choices that we make.  Do we choose to spend time in the Word?  Do we choose to get involved in a local body of believers?  Do we choose to live our lives consistent to what we have been taught? 

When we make bad choices there is grace and forgiveness but there are also consequences. God doesn’t spare us from the consequences of our sin.  Beware of anyone who tells you to just do it now and confess it later.  That is not what God desires for us.  (Romans 6)

Look out for people who try to convince you to put aside your integrity and character.  They may have really appealing arguments.  They may put pressure on you.  They may rationalize their actions.  They may say - Oh, just this one time won’t hurt anything.  Just say no and walk away.

Do not worry when others come up against you when you stand for the truth.  Keep standing firm and do the right thing.

1 Corinthians 15:58

“Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.”

Without regret or apologies, live your life in way to please the Lord. 

Colossians 3:17

“And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”

How do we do that? Know who you are in Christ.  Remember what He did for you on the cross.  Know that he gives you everything you need.  Trust Him to take care of you.

Be willing to model Christ’s character.  God wants authentic Christians.  Non-Christians look at our lives and it may be our silent testimony that either draws them to the Savior or causes them to reject Him.

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Proverbs 10:9  “Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but whoever takes crooked paths will be found out.”

Proverbs 20:7  “The righteous lead blameless lives; blessed are their children after them.”

1 Chronicles 29:17   “I know, my God, that you test the heart and are pleased with integrity. All these things I have given willingly and with honest intent.”

James 1:22  “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.”