Integrity is an adherence to moral and ethical principles. It is a sound moral character. People of integrity are honest. They are whole. They live what they believe. Integrity is a Biblical principal that seems to be ignored by many today. The Biblical meaning of integrity focus on completeness and wholeness. Integrity is the simplicity of faith and trust in God that changes a life to conform to God.
God judges according to integrity. “let the Lord judge the peoples. Judge me, O Lord, according to my righteousness, according to my integrity, O Most High.” (Psalm 7:8, NIV84) Integrity protects us. “May integrity and uprightness protect me, because my hope is in you.” (Psalm 25:21, NIV84) Integrity ushers us into the presence of God. “In my integrity you uphold me and set me in your presence forever.” (Psalm 41:12, NIV84) Integrity offers a safe path in life. “The man of integrity walks securely, but he who takes crooked paths will be found out.” (Proverbs 10:9, NIV84)
David became King because he was a person of integrity. “And David shepherded them with integrity of heart; with skillful hands he led them.” (Psalm 78:72, NIV84) Jesus was recognized for having integrity. “They sent their disciples to him along with the Herodians. “Teacher,” they said, “we know you are a man of integrity and that you teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. You aren’t swayed by men, because you pay no attention to who they are.” (Matthew 22:16, NIV84)
People without integrity are many. People without integrity have empty words, speak lies, and live a life that hosts evil. “No one calls for justice; no one pleads his case with integrity. They rely on empty arguments and speak lies; they conceive trouble and give birth to evil.” (Isaiah 59:4, NIV84) People without integrity will be judged.
Jesus gave an example of people who lacked integrity. “As he taught, Jesus said, “Watch out for the teachers of the law. They like to walk around in flowing robes and be greeted in the marketplaces, and have the most important seats in the synagogues and the places of honor at banquets. They devour widows’ houses and for a show make lengthy prayers. Such men will be punished most severely.”” (Mark 12:38–40, NIV84) The Pharisees lived lives of hypocrisy. They said the right words but failed to live a right life. They looked for titles and honor and recognition from others. They wanted to appear spiritual even as their lives were empty of a true relationship with God. God will punish hypocrites.
Jesus also gave an example of someone who lived a life of integrity. “Jesus sat down opposite the place where the offerings were put and watched the crowd putting their money into the temple treasury. Many rich people threw in large amounts. But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a fraction of a penny. Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, “I tell you the truth, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on.”” (Mark 12:41–44, NIV84) The widow loved God. She understood that God calls for us to place our faith and trust in Him. God calls us to give from a heart of love. She expressed her love, faith and trust by giving everything. Her everything was not noticed by the masses. She had no position or title. She did however get the attention of God. People who live lives of integrity before God will always draw the attention of God.
Godly leaders must walk in integrity. “In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness” (Titus 2:7, NIV84) If you wish to lead and grow become a person of integrity. Do the right thing even when it is hard. Honor your promises even if it costs you. Love other people even when they fail to love you back. Obey God even when you don’t understand. Believe God even when the situation seems impossible.
Every day we are given opportunities to practice integrity. Each decision you choose to live for God will establish you as a person of integrity. Choose wisely!
