Integrity

In my personal study, I’m seeing the concept of integrity show up in scripture. But what exactly is integrity? Integrity can be defined as being honest and having strong moral principles that you live by. In other words, not only are you honest and accountable, your belief in right and wrong guides you without someone else having to prompt you to do the right thing. 

The Bible has a lot to say on the character and morality expected of believers. 

Psalm 25:20-21 KJV

20 O keep my soul, and deliver me: let me not be ashamed; for I put my trust in thee.

21 Let integrity and uprightness preserve me; for I wait on thee.

Psalm 26:9-11 NKJV

Do not gather my soul with sinners,
Nor my life with bloodthirsty men,

10 In whose hands is a sinister scheme,
And whose right hand is full of bribes.

11 But as for me, I will walk in my integrity; Redeem me and be merciful to me.

In both passages, David saw the importance of asking the Lord to keep him and to help him live a life of integrity. We should pray the same as well. As you know from Matthew 7:13-14, it becomes very easy to get off the straight and narrow path, and veer into the large lane of wickedness that will lead to death. 

Proverbs 10:9 

9 He who walks with integrity walks securely,

But he who perverts his ways will become known.

1 Corinthians 15:58 AMP

Therefore, my beloved brothers and sisters, be steadfast, immovable, always excelling in the work of the Lord [always doing your best and doing more than is needed], being continually aware that your labor [even to the point of exhaustion] in the Lord is not futile nor wasted [it is never without purpose].

Colossians 3:9-10 AMP

 9 Do not lie to one another, for you have stripped off the old self with its evil practices, 10 and have put on the new [spiritual] self who is being continually renewed in true knowledge in the image of Him who created the new self— 

Based on these scriptures, we see two things 1) integrity keeps you on the right path but 2) any moral turpitude and works of the flesh are clearly not of God. When we get saved, there is supposed to be a transformation of us that shows we have been redeemed by the Blood of the Lamb. You cannot call yourself a believer and be driven by a moral compass that is not inspired and guided by scripture. The New Testament scriptures show that there is a continuous renewal process, which should let us know that again, there are actions we must take to maintain our salvation. Integrity is the same way. Like David, we need to pray daily and choose righteousness daily to keep living a holy and consecrated lifestyle. 

But truthfully, a lot of negative experiences I’ve had with character flaws have been with other “believers”. It is those allegedly called by His name that struggle with works of the flesh and a lack of integrity (i.e. gossip and an unbridled tongue, wrath and anger, lying, stealing, cheating, etc). This should not be according to scripture.

2 Corinthians 8:21 NKJV

providing honorable things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men.

Proverbs 21:3 NKJV

3 To do righteousness and justice

Is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice.

1 Peter 3:16-17 NKJV

having a good conscience, that when they defame you as evildoers, those who revile your good conduct in Christ may be ashamed. 17 For it is better, if it is the will of God, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil.

Titus 2:6-8 NKJV

6 Likewise, exhort the young men to be sober-minded, 7 in all things showing yourself to be a pattern of good works; in doctrine showing integrity, reverence, incorruptibility 8 sound speech that cannot be condemned, that one who is an opponent may be ashamed, having nothing evil to say of you.

So I will leave you with these reflective questions: 

• When no one is around, what morals guide you? Do your actions change when you perceive no one is watching? 

• Do you have a reputation for doing the right thing, even if it’s uncomfortable or not gratifying?

• Are your motivations to do good based on self ambition (I.e. you want to look good, you want to win an award, or you want to look super saved)?

If your answers to these questions convicted you, it’s not too late to turn away. This day going forward, choose integrity and righteousness so that you may be blameless and an ambassador for Christ.