Read: Proverbs 11
Think: As we continue to work through the issues of integrity based on the weekend message from Pastor Ben, it seems fitting the last two devotionals of the week get a little personal. But a little warning, it might be a bit painful. But please don’t click out just yet. Let’s see if God wants to challenge us just a little to be the person He’s called us to be!
And in order to begin with integrity, I have to say today’s devotional is based on some of the writings by well known author and Pastor Chuck Swindoll.
Integrity is completeness or soundness. You have integrity if you complete a job even when no one is looking. You have integrity if you keep your word even when no one checks up on you. You have integrity if you keep your promises. Integrity means the absence of duplicity and is the opposite of hypocrisy. If you are a person of integrity, you will do what you say. What you declare, you will do your best to be. Integrity also includes financial accountability, personal reliability, and private purity. A person with integrity does not manipulate others. He or she is not prone to arrogance or self-praise. Integrity even invites constructive and necessary criticism because it applauds accountability. It's sound. It's solid. It's complete.
Integrity is rock-like. It won't crack when it has to stand alone, and it won't crumble though the pressure mounts. Integrity keeps one from fearing the white light of examination or resisting the exacting demands of close scrutiny. It's honesty at all costs. Integrity is having the guts to tell the truth, even if it may hurt to do so. Integrity is having the guts to be honest, even though cheating may bring about a better grade. Integrity is having the guts to quote sources rather than to plagiarize.
But there are some things integrity is not. It is not sinless perfection. A person with integrity does not live a life absolutely free of sin. No one does. But one with integrity quickly acknowledges his failures and doesn't hide the wrong.
Integrity is essential in the church, in the marketplace, and especially in the home. When you walk in integrity, you leave it as a legacy for your children to follow (Proverbs 20:7). When you work with integrity, you honor the Lord. Regardless of your profession, your character and conduct are methods of ministry. Do you put wire in walls? Do you repair cars? Do you work with numbers? Do you sell clothes? Perhaps you practice law or medicine. The important thing is not what work you do, but whether you do your work with integrity. Do you cheat on your exams? Are you cheating on your mate? Some have the audacity to do such things and call themselves Christians. No wonder the world is confused!
You want to shock the world? Start here--demonstrating the guts to do what's right when no one is looking. It takes real guts to stand strong with integrity in a culture weakened by hypocrisy. Start today.
Do: Shock the world today and commit unwaveringly to live a life full of integrity!
Pray: Lord, forgive me when I’ve failed… There have been so many times! Help me as I move forward with You to live a life worthy of Your call. Give me the strength and fortitude to live with integrity and honor. Let me reflect You in all I say, and in all I do. Amen.
The eDevotional is written each week by a team of volunteers from Timberlake Church.