In the Hebrew word, integrity is translated to mean the condition of being without "Blemish". Integrity connotes sincerity, uprightness, wholesome, perfection. Proverbs 20:7 The just man walketh in his integrity: his children are blessed after him.
Going through the above Bible portion, it is seen that integrity attracts favour even unto our generation, as a father or mother, you must live a life of integrity because it will in turn fall back on your children (generation). Integrity is a virtue that a Christian brother or sister must possess.
Integrity is a practice of being honest in every decision, and showing a consistent and uncompromising adherence to strong moral and ethical principles and values. As a believer (Christian) integrity should be seen in us even at our offices or different businesses, a man or woman of integrity shouldn't be afraid of what people will say but do what is right.
Integrity is standing for the the truth regardless of its consequences. Job 2:9-10 Then said his wife unto him, Dost thou still retain thine integrity? curse God, and die.
But he said unto her, Thou speakest as one of the foolish women speaketh. What? shall we receive good at the hand of God, and shall we not receive evil? In all this did not Job sin with his lips.
Job is a true definition of integrity because even at his worst he still hold up to his faith, even when his wife and friends talked him into compromising his integrity and die and be free from his afflictions, he bluntly rebuke them and hold up to his faith and integrity in Christ Jesus.
Daniel 3:16-18 Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego, answered and said to the king, O Nebuchadnezzar, we are not careful to answer thee in this matter.
If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of thine hand, O king.
But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up.
It is also seen in the above scripture that Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego hold up to their integrity by refusing to accept King Nebuchadnezzar offer. They hold up to their faith and integrity by not bowing to the man-made god, even in the burning fiery furnace, they held their integrity strong. So as a believer you must hold firm to your integrity no matter the challenges. Although integrity comes with diverse challenges, yet, it is also so important and highly rewarding.
BENEFITS OF LIVING AN INTEGRITY LIFE
As a believer, integrity should be the core quality of your life. 2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new; Hebrews 4:15 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.
Integrity is a fundamental proof of one's belief in the gospel of Christ, integrity also prove to others that one is a child of God. Integrity makes one to be honest in character, promises and be committed to responsibilities, and honour in their words, Joshua 2:12-14 Now therefore, I pray you, swear unto me by the LORD, since I have shewed you kindness, that ye will also shew kindness unto my father's house, and give me a true token:
And that ye will save alive my father, and my mother, and my brethren, and my sisters, and all that they have, and deliver our lives from death.
And the men answered her, Our life for yours, if ye utter not this our business. And it shall be, when the LORD hath given us the land, that we will deal kindly and truly with thee.
Integrity helps one to take responsibilities of their actions and helps one to recognize their weakness and knowing their weaknesses and inactions they will be able to take corrective action for failure without minding cost.
Anyone that live an integrity life, lives in peace and enjoy divine guidance. Proverbs 11:3 The integrity of the upright shall guide them: but the perverseness of transgressors shall destroy them.
Integrity makes a person to be consistently truthful and help you gain respect and trust from your peers and leaders. A person of integrity will enjoy unprecedented promotion and favour. Genesis 41:39-41 And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, Forasmuch as God hath shewed thee all this, there is none so discreet and wise as thou art:
Thou shalt be over my house, and according unto thy word shall all my people be ruled: only in the throne will I be greater than thou.
And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, See, I have set thee over all the land of Egypt, he will also enjoy divine provisions and God will preserve him/her. Psalms 84:11 For the LORD God is a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly ; Psalms 25:21-22 Let integrity and uprightness preserve me; for I wait on thee.
Redeem Israel, O God, out of all his troubles.
Brethren I urge you therefore from this day forward to live an integrity life and be bless by God, for there's a reward from God to anyone who do not compromise his/her integrity in Christ for the world's pleasure. May the grace of God be sufficient unto us to life an integrity life. Amen.
