Proverbs 11:3(KJV)
The integrity of the upright shall guide them: but the perverseness of transgressors shall destroy them.
Integrity is the quality of being honest and having strong moral principles. Integrity is the glue that holds our way of life together. It is a doorway to destiny fulfillment and a secret of a successful life. Integrity is doing the right thing at all times and in all circumstances, regardless of the consequences and whether or not anyone is watching. As light is most appreciated in darkness, our integrity is most appreciated anywhere we find ourselves, especially where evil prevails. Apostle Paul wrote in 1 Thessalonians 2:10, “You are witnesses of how we lived among you believers. God is also a witness that we were holy and godly and without blame.” It is also written in Daniel 6:4, “Then the other administrators and high officers began searching for some fault in the way Daniel was handling government affairs, but they couldn’t find anything to criticize or condemn. He was faithful, always responsible, and completely trustworthy.” Our lives are meant to count, but not without integrity. Therefore, it’s essential to recognize that our integrity speaks louder than our voice!
Although costly, integrity has great rewards, including God vouching for us, keeping us from sin, bringing peace, guiding our steps, preserving a man, and bringing generational blessings. However, in today’s society, honesty and integrity are difficult to find. Society often justifies dishonesty as a necessary means to navigate the world. Today, many hide under the mask that “nobody can be perfect,” and so, they continue the downward journey of sin and degradation. Dishonesty may provide instant gratification in the moment, but it will never last and has deadly consequences. Proverbs 20:17 says, “Bread gained by deceit is sweet to a man, but afterward, his mouth will be full of gravel.” It is essential to realize that others pay attention to those we have chosen to associate with, and they will inevitably judge our character by the character of our friends. There is a saying, “When you lay down with dogs, you get fleas.” Avoid those with no integrity because if we surround ourselves with people who are dishonest and willing to cut corners to get ahead, we will indeed find ourselves enduring their behavior, accepting their behavior, and finally adopting their behavior. As believers, we must demonstrate integrity in all endeavors, including our speech, time management, finance, relationship with the opposite sex, keeping promises, and paying of vows, because everything right begins and ends with God. So, when we stand for truth, we stand for Him.
Beloved, God is Perfect and expects His children to be perfect, too. His unchanging standard remains sure: be ye holy, for I am holy. So, make up your mind to uphold integrity and live a life devoid of offense both towards God and man. Be a person of integrity, and you will open the door for God’s blessing and honor all the days of your life! No matter your claims, if you are not a man or woman of integrity, your Christianity is questionable. Think of your life today, whether in actual speech or the action of your daily life; as a Christian, people should know where you stand. No matter what the world may be doing, you and I must keep doing what is right. Finally, when you feel most tempted to indulge in self-destructive behavior, open the Bible, find inspiration in verses on integrity, and pray to God for His Guidance. Remember, the value of the trust others have in you goes beyond anything anybody can measure because it has its rewards.
O Lord, help me to live a holy and godly life without blame. Today, give me the strength to hold fast to my integrity by not compromising with sin and sinners, in Jesus’ Name.