Developing Integrity

Are any of you like myself – we watch the evening news and listen to one politician after another spin whatever their agenda of the day is and long to hear something that is trustworthy coming out of their mouths.

Integrity is one of the most valued character qualities a person can have.  A person of integrity has strong moral and ethical principles.  They are known to be honest regardless of their circumstances or the company they are keeping or when alone with no one watching.  What you see on the outside is the same person they are on the inside. 

God’s Word assures us:

Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but whoever takes crooked paths will be found out. 

Proverbs 10:9

Integrity is a character quality developed in a person who has been living according to the Word of God.  A person with integrity can stand with confidence before God. Think about the peace and joy in a person’s heart when these words can truthfully come of out their lips.

I know that you are pleased with me, for my enemy does not triumph over me. Because of my integrity you uphold me and set me in your presence forever.

Psalm 41:11-12

When we live with integrity we have the peace of a clear conscience.  We experience a deep inner peace knowing that we have not violated our conscience by doing wrong.  We are confident that when someone examines us, we will be proven innocent. 

In contrast, when our lives lack moral wholeness, we live in constant fear of being “found out” as frauds. 

It doesn’t mean we are perfect.  To pretend to be would be just another example of not living with integrity.  We all occasionally make mistakes and sin, and when we walk with integrity we don’t cover those things up.   We confess them and deal with any consequences that arise.

May integrity and honesty protect me, for I put my hope in you.

Psalm 25:21

Heavenly Father, We’re grateful that You can live in us so we can be men and women of integrity who can be depended upon.  Help us to consider the impact of our actions and behaviour on those around us. 

Our desire is to love and care for others as You faithfully love and care for us.  Help us to follow Your principles in all our affairs, and to walk in the safety and peace of being persons of integrity.  Amen

One choice, one action at a time today, let’s live as people with integrity.  Have a great day.