As part of the Bible class curriculum here at South Green Street, our kids memorize “themes” for each book of the Bible. Recently, Jake was reviewing his memory work and noted that “integrity” is the theme for the book of Daniel. I asked him if he knew what it meant to be a man of integrity. We had a pretty good, albeit brief, discussion.
The term integrity has been defined in various ways.
Some would say it is the quality of being honest and having strong moral principals.
Others would say it is doing the right thing all the time simply because it is the right thing—doing the right thing knowing no one will know whether you did it or not.
I want to suggest, based upon Scripture, a life of integrity is what should characterize each Christian. A life of integrity makes us like Jesus.
• Acts 10:38 “…Jesus Christ…went about doing good…”
A life of integrity protects our reputation.
• Titus 2:7-8 “Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity, and sound speech that cannot be condemned, so that an opponent may be put to shame, having nothing evil to say about us.”
A life of integrity gives us confidence to face eternity.
• Phil. 2:14-16 “Do all things without grumbling or disputing, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast to the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain.”
A life of integrity strengthens the message we share with others.
• 1 Peter 2:11-12 “Beloved, I urge you as sojourners and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul. Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation.”
Doing the right thing—doing what Jesus Christ would do—will have a huge impact on our own lives and on the lives of others.
Are we known as people of integrity?
