TEXT:
‘But as for me, I will walk in my integrity; redeem me and be merciful to me’ (Psalm 26:11).
Paul said, ‘I am not ashamed of this Good News about Christ. It is the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes’ (Romans 1:16 NLT). Unfortunately, many Christians are embarrassed to witness and create the impression their faith is private, not something to be talked about. Jesus said, ‘Don’t hide your light! Let it shine for all’ (Matthew 5:16 TLB). Walking with integrity is one way of letting the world know who you belong to. It will also create many opportunities to share your faith.
1. Walk with Integrity – ‘Many a man proclaims his own loyalty, but who can find a trustworthy man? A righteous man who walks in his integrity’ (Proverbs 20:6-7 NAS).
It’s difficult to stay untainted in a world full of compromise. Striving for excellence doesn’t mean we will live sinless lives, but when we fall short, we’ll know who to go to – Jesus!
Be a person of your word, even if it costs you more to do it than you first expected. If you make a promise, keep it, whether it’s to tithe, serve, or help in some other way. Churches suffer when Christians pull out at the last minute, or even worse, don’t turn up at all. Let people know you won’t let them down. The Bible says, ‘When you tell God you’ll do something, do it—now. God takes no pleasure in foolish drivel. Vow it, then do it. Far better not to vow in the first place than to vow and not pay up’ (Ecclesiastes 5:4-5 MSG).
2. Maintaining integrity when everything goes wrong – ‘Then the Lord asked Satan, “Have you noticed my servant Job? He is the finest man in all the earth. He is blameless—a man of complete integrity. He fears God and stays away from evil. And he has maintained his integrity, even though you urged me to harm him without cause”’ (Job 2:3 NLT).
It was bad enough being attacked by Satan and losing everything, including his children. Things were made worse by his wife saying, ‘Do you still hold fast to your integrity? Curse God and die!’ (Job 2:9). Even when his supposed friends accused him that his sin was the reason for his misfortune, Job refused to compromise, ‘I will never concede that you are right; I will defend my integrity until I die’ (Job 27:5 NLT).
We usually can’t leave this life the way we want to, free from pain and not suffering. That’s not up to us, but we can leave with integrity. One of the hallmarks of true Christianity is maintaining your faith in times of trouble, when everyone around is expecting you to blame God and turn back from following Him!
3. God backs those with integrity – ‘Because of my integrity you uphold me and set me in your presence forever’ (Psalm 41:12 NIV).
‘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).
‘He who walks with integrity walks securely’ (Proverbs 10:9).
‘I know, my God, that you examine our hearts and rejoice when you find integrity there’ (I Chronicles 29:17 NLT).
‘If you will follow me with integrity and godliness, as David your father did, obeying all my commands, decrees, and regulations, then I will establish the throne of your dynasty over Israel forever’ (1 Kings 9:4 NLT).
These scriptures prove that God is deeply interested in prospering and protecting those who walk with integrity and will intervene on their behalf.
4. Through integrity, we can be saved from making wrong decisions, even though we had right motives – ‘Did he not say to me, ‘She is my sister’? And she, even she herself said, ‘He is my brother.’ In the integrity of my heart and innocence of my hands I have done this.” And God said to him in a dream, “Yes, I know that you did this in the integrity of your heart. For I also withheld you from sinning against Me; therefore I did not let you touch her’ (Genesis 20:5-6).
Abraham and Sarai’s lack of integrity nearly cost Abimelech dearly, but God stepped in because he had integrity. If God will honour the integrity of the heathen, how much more His own children? God was also watching out for Abraham and Sarai even when fear was making them make bad choices. It’s an indictment on God’s people when the world shows more integrity than the church.
We can take comfort from this scripture, ‘A man’s mind plans his way [as he journeys through life], but the Lord directs his steps and establishes them’ (Proverbs 16:9 AMP).
5. Integrity and God’s Word – ‘And you yourself must be an example to them by doing good works of every kind. Let everything you do reflect the integrity and seriousness of your teaching’ (Titus 2:7 NLT).
Paul urged Titus to be an example of integrity, especially to the young men, not just in behaviour but also in belief and teaching. It’s very easy for the young to think God’s Word is outdated and not relevant for today because society has evolved and moved on. What does God say? ‘Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away’ (Matthew 24:35 NIV).
How many pulpits, instead of teaching God’s commandments, are preaching the thoughts of man and putting them on the same pedestal as God’s Word? I cannot leave God’s Word out of my preaching, although some would wish that I did and send out nice, insipid homilies instead of bible-based teaching. The reason is simple, if I and the Bible disagree, I am wrong! Teaching God’s Word as it is, helps to correct error, whether it’s mine or someone else’s!
Integrity – the quality of being honest and having strong moral principles that you refuse to change. That’s something we can all aspire to and practise!
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