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When was the
last time you heard a sermon on integrity? Have you seen many books on
integrity in your local Christian bookstore? I must admit, it’s been a
while since I’ve heard a message on this vital subject. However, I
believe this message must be addressed, not only in articles such as
this one, but by the pastors and leaders in our churches. As Christians,
we must have a proper perspective on integrity and understand its
importance in our lives.
WHAT IS INTEGRITY &
WHY IS IT SO IMPORTANT?
Integrity -
Strict adherence to a code or standard of values; honesty; moral
soundness - especially as it is revealed in dealings that test
steadfastness in truth, purpose, responsibility, or trust.
It is
important for us to walk honestly and uprightly before God, our
families, and our friends, because this is what the Lord requires of us
in His word.
1 Tim. 2:1-3
- I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers,
intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; for kings, and
for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable
life in all godliness and honesty.
2 Cor. 13:7
- Now I pray to God that ye do no evil; not that we should appear
approved, but that ye should do that which is honest….
WHAT ABOUT THOSE
LITTLE “WHITE” LIES?
Col. 3:9 -
Do not lie to one another, since you have put off the old man with his
deeds, and have put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge according
to the image of Him who created him, where there is neither Greek nor
Jew, circumcised nor uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave nor free,
but Christ is all and in all.
Psalm 101:7
- He who works deceit shall not dwell within my house; He who tells lies
shall not continue in my presence.
I don’t know
what your standards and expectations involve, but I want to continually
dwell in His presence. I don’t want anything in my life hindering my
relationship with the Lord. It took me a long time to get where I am
today, and I don’t plan on going back. I’m determined in my heart to
live for God and fulfill the calling that He has placed upon my life.
I’m determined in my heart to be a woman of integrity and walk in
obedience to Him. I don’t take the things of God lightly, but I’ve
counted the cost, and like Paul, I count all things loss for the
excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord.
It’s time
for the church to go forward in God. It’s time for us to press in and
press on! It’s not a time to backslide or get involved in worldly lusts
and pleasures. It’s not time for us to give up and throw in the towel,
because breakthrough is on the way! For those of you who have been bound
by a lying spirit, get ready, your deliverance is coming! For those of
you who have not walked in uprightness of heart, get ready! God is going
to move on your behalf and bring the needed breakthrough and
deliverance! “For there shall be deliverance upon My holy mountain,
saith the Lord. The day of deliverance is now here for My church, for My
people. Don’t delay and put off what I am now prompting you to do. For
NOW is the time for deliverance. Now is the time for salvation.”
Whenever you
determine in your heart to press into God, the persecution will come.
The slander will come. The Job’s comforters will come. The Sanballats
and Tobiahs will come, but greater is He who is in us than he who is in
the world! If we will persevere and continue to do what He has called us
to do, the breakthrough will come, and He will bring the “greater
blessing” and “greater glory.”
WALK IN TRUTH
John 16:13 -
“However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into
all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He
hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come…..”
Psalm 119:30
- “I have chosen the way of truth…”
THE TRUTH WILL SET
YOU FREE
John 8:32 -
“And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”
I cannot
even begin to tell you how many people are in bondage today because they
have refused to walk in truth. They have believed a lie, and therefore,
are suffering the consequences affiliated with their choice.
We must ask
the Lord to help us make right choices and decisions. The choices and
decisions that we make today will determine our future tomorrow.
HOLDING TRUE TO OUR
WORDS
Have you
ever had someone tell you they would do something for you on such and
such a date, and when that day came, they never showed up? Have you ever
had this happen to you more than once with the same individual? If
you’re like me, you probably won’t ask that individual for any more
assistance or help.
I respect
those who walk in integrity and uprightness of heart before God and
their fellow men. The commitments we make and the words that we speak
say it all.
If you’ll
show me a person who keeps his commitments and his words, I’ll show you
a person who is walking in integrity.
Integrity is
a characteristic that must be worked into the lives of every believer.
Sure, sometimes we miss it and have to get back on track by asking the
Lord to forgive us. But, if we are continually neglecting to be
responsible, truthful, and trustworthy individuals, we are “missing it.”
We are not walking in the fullness of what the Lord has for us, nor are
we being good examples to those around us of a Christ-like life.
HONESTY IS STILL THE
BEST POLICY
What do I do
when the person at the check out counter gives me too much change back
from my purchase? Do I quietly put the change in my pocket and walk
away, or do I bring it to their attention?
I’m sure
that most of us have been through the “too much change back” test. I can
remember a few times when I tried to get away with keeping the extra
change that was given back to me. Did it work? Of course not! Holy
Spirit conviction fell upon me, and I felt like a fool as I walked back
into the store to return the “stolen” money. Why does it take some of us
so long to learn?
LACK OF INTEGRITY
AFFECTS THOSE AROUND US
Integrity
not only affects us, but it affects all that come in contact with us. It
also affects our children. If our children hear us telling lies and
conducting ourselves in a manner that does not line up with the word of
God, we are living a life of hypocrisy before them and the Lord is not
pleased.
Prov. 20:7 -
The righteous man walks in his integrity;
His children
are blessed after him.
Prov. 22:6 -
Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not
depart from it.
I just
recently read an interesting article in the 11/7/99 issue of USA Today.
The article was entitled:
Voters want
a leader with integrity. People are tired of being lied to. They are fed
up with politicians saying one thing and doing another. Actions do speak
louder than words. I believe it’s time for our nation to see some honest
action in the world and in the church.
God is
looking for men and women who walk in integrity and uprightness of heart
before Him. He’s searching to and fro for those whom He can trust with
His purposes and vision. The Lord is searching for the “Davids” and the
“Pauls” who will not compromise with the world and its ungodly
standards. His hand is outstretched to all that call upon His name in
faith believing.
I believe
that joy floods the Father’s heart as He sees His children filled with
determination to accomplish His will for their lives. Are you one who
brings the Father pleasure? Are you willing to walk in integrity and
uprightness of heart? Are you willing to walk in truth and be honest
with those whom you come in contact with? Are you willing to be
responsible for your actions and keep the commitments that you’ve made?
Psalm 25:21
- Let integrity and uprightness preserve me; for I wait on thee.
Proverbs
11:3 - The integrity of the upright shall guide them: but the
perverseness of transgressors shall destroy them.
Allow the
Holy Spirit to search your heart today. Repent of dishonesty, cheating,
lying, and lack of responsibility on your part. Repent for all those
times when you did not keep your word to someone. The Lord is faithful
and just to forgive you. He is a merciful and mighty God. He will cause
His face to shine upon you as you draw near to Him. |
