WALK AS GOD WALKS (5)

“Vindicate me, O Lord, for I have WALKED in MY INTEGRITY. I have also trusted in the Lord, I shall not slip” – Psalm 26:1

To WALK AS GOD WALKS is to Walk in INTEGRITY, a key Ally of Holiness: “Vindicate me, O Lord, for I have WALKED in MY INTEGRITY. I have also trusted in the Lord, I shall not slip” (Psa.26:1). This psalm begins and ends on the note of Integrity (vv.1, 11). God has Integrity. His Word has Integrity. He rewards Integrity. The term ‘Integrity’ derives from the word “integer” meaning: the whole, a whole number, not a fraction. Integrity signifies: whole character, authenticity, completeness, consistency, honesty, incorruptness, and uprightness in mutual dealings and in representing others. Integrity has the same root as the word integrated. A person of Integrity is a whole person: undivided, unimpeachable, not camouflaging for different circumstances – private or public.

A person of Integrity stands by principles no matter the penalties; even at the cost of a relationship, reputation, promotion, job or even life. Integrity does not swing with shifting social winds. With Integrity, what we see is what we get! It is being on the inside what we appear to be on the outside. Public and private conducts align. There is congruency between word and deed. What is preached is what is practiced. Life matches lips! Integrity is who I really am internally; and who I am when nobody is looking. But God is always looking: “The eyes of the Lord are in every place, keeping watch on the evil and the good” (Pro.15:3).

King David reiterated his resolve: “But as for me, I WILL WALK in MY INTEGRITY; redeem me and be merciful to me” (Psa.26:11). As a result, he later declared: “As for me, You uphold me in MY INTEGRITY, and set me before Your face forever” (Psa.41:12). Far from a perfect life, a life of integrity is one that holds nothing back from God. David was not perfect, but whenever he failed, instead of turning away from God, trying to hide his sin, he turned to God in brokenness with open confession and turned from his sin. Jesus described some who lack integrity; “they say, and do not” (Mt.23:2-3). God would have every Believer walk in Integrity!

God blesses those who walk in integrity: “Blessed are the undefiled in the way, who WALK in the law of the Lord” (Psa.119:1). The “undefiled in the way” speaks of “those whose lives have integrity, those who follow the teachings of the LORD.” Walking in Integrity means aligning one’s life closely with God’s Word. His Word and not our feelings become the measure of truth. What He says and what He thinks matter more than what others think. Also, “The righteous man WALK in HIS INTEGRITY; his children are blessed after him” (Pro.20:7, NLT). While it may appear that the dishonest get ahead, God blessed the legacy of those who walk in Integrity.

What legacy would we want to leave for our children? The greatest inheritance we can leave is a life of integrity. Better than gold or silver is a legacy of faith that comes from living a life of truth! Security is another reward of integrity: “He who walks in integrity walks securely, but he who perverts his ways will be found out” (Pro.10:9). One who lives a life of Integrity can rest secure, never worrying about “being found out.” There are no hidden sins one is lying to cover up. It’s an open book – transparent, honest, and truthful. A person of Integrity keeps promises and people trust his or her word. When he fails, he admits it; he takes responsibility.

Integrity is like a shield, especially against false accusation. Leaders are often blamed falsely. The Israelites blamed Moses for lack of water, bitter water, enemies' attacks and lack of food. Daniel overcame false accusation. David was slandered and falsely accused, but his feet stood unmoved: “I shall not slip” (v.1b). If we walk with integrity, our character will shield you. Integrity is an undivided heart (1Chr.12:33). Secret indulgences undermine integrity; but life is sweet when what we say and what we do align!