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 fulfilment and a secret of a successful life. Integrity is doing the right thing at all times and in all circumstances, no matter what the consequences will be and whether or not anyone is watching. As light is most appreciated in darkness, so 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, know that our integrity speaks louder than our voice!
In today’s society honesty and integrity are difficult to find. Society rationalizes dishonesty, it is considered as something necessary to get by in this 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 important 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 that “when you lie down with dogs, you get fleas”. Avoid those who have no integrity because if we surround ourselves with people who are dishonest and willing to cut corners to get ahead, then we will surely find ourselves enduring their behavior, accepting their behavior, and finally adopting their behavior. As believers, we need to demonstrate integrity in all aspects of our endeavors including our speech, time management, finance, relationship with the opposite sex, in keeping promises and paying of vows, because everything that is right begins and ends with God. So, when we stand for truth, we stand for Him. Integrity, although costly, has great rewards and these include God vouching for you(Job 2:3), keeps you from falling into sin(Genesis 39:9), brings peace(Psalm 37:37), guides one’s steps(Proverbs 11:3), preserves a man(Psalm 25:21-22), and brings generational blessings(Proverbs 20:7).
Beloved, God is Perfect and He expects His children to be perfect too(Matthew 5:48, 2Timothy 2:19). His unchanging standard remains sure “Be ye holy for I am holy”(1 Peter 1:16). So, make up your mind to uphold integrity, live a life devoid of offense, both towards God and towards man. Be a person of integrity and 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 in 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 that can be measured because it has its rewards.
O Lord, help me to live a holy and godly life without blame in Jesus’ Name.