INTEGRITY

The INTEGRITY of the upright will guide them, but the perversity of the unfaithful will destroy them – Proverbs 11:3

Scripture clearly indicates the importance of the trait called INTEGRITY, and we honour the Almighty God when we practice it. Integrity goes hand-in-hand with Honesty and Uprightness. They all describe an openness of heart before the Almighty, and purity before our Maker. Integrity is the quality of being upright in character. Someone says: “Integrity is Christ-like Character in work-clothes” – Character in Practice!

Through His Word, God has given us clear reasons to walk in integrity. The Psalmist declared: “But as for me, I will walk in my integrity…” (Psa.26:11a). A Person of Integrity has the security of a quiet life that one who “perverts his ways” cannot enjoy: “He who walks with integrity walks securely, but he who perverts his ways will become known” (Pro.10:9). Again, “the integrity of the upright will guide them, but the perversity of the unfaithful will destroy them” (Pro.11:3). Moreover, he who lives with integrity is preserved by his confidence in God, as he waits and trusts for God’s intervention in his life instead of running ahead of Him: “Let integrity and uprightness preserve me, for I wait for you” (Psa.25:21). Walking in Integrity liberates one from fear – particularly, the fear of being exposed or being caught in the web of sin. For example, you do not have to worry about being found in a wrong place.

Integrity is moral soundness in one’s entire Character. Consider this story, a strange incident at a fast-food restaurant. The manager had put the day’s cash in a paper bag for deposit that night, but an attendant mistook it for an order and handed it over to a couple at the drive-through window. Shortly after when the couple opened the bag in a nearby park, they were shocked by its contents, and immediately drove back to return it. The manager had reported a robbery, so police cars and a TV crew were already on the scene. The manager was so greatly relieved to get the money back, he said to the couple, “You should be featured on the evening news for your honesty.” “Oh, please, no publicity!” replied the man nervously. “She’s not my wife.” No consistency! To be honest with another’s money but dishonest with another’s spouse is not being consistent. A person of Integrity has nothing to hide; no “skeletons in the cupboard”!

The character trait of Integrity was clearly evident in the life of Joseph, and set him apart in distinction. Potiphar had entrusted all he owned to Joseph (Gen.39:6). When however Potiphar’s wife tried to seduce him, Joseph maintained his integrity by refusing her amorous advances (vv.8-12). Note his unambiguous response: “How then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?” (v.9). This posture of Integrity cost him dearly, but ultimately paid him bountifully (Gen.41:39-44). Joseph’s passion for Integrity paved the way for him into the Palace. Integrity of heart also earned and secured a Place of Dominion for David and generations after him.

God is a holy God and whosoever would enjoy His goodness must live a holy life. God is straightforward. He doesn’t play pranks with issues of destiny. A Person of Integrity is one who has strength of character that does not veer from the standard of the Word of God. Your ‘Yes’ is ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No’ (Mt.5:37).

Pray this Prayer of Integrity: “Dear Father-God, help my word to be true; my actions to be honest; my life to reflect Your holiness and Uprightness, and shine Your Light for all to see. Help me to walk and live with Integrity, in Jesus name!”