INTEGRITY

in·teg·ri·ty

inˈteɡrədē/Submit

noun

1. the quality of being honest and having strong moral principles; moral uprightness.

“he is known to be a man of integrity”

synonyms: honesty, probity, rectitude, honor, good character, principle(s), ethics, morals, righteousness, morality, virtue, decency, fairness, scrupulousness, sincerity, truthfulness, trustworthiness

“I never doubted his integrity”

2. the state of being whole and undivided.

“upholding territorial integrity and national sovereignty”

synonyms: unity, unification, coherence, cohesion, togetherness, solidarity

“the integrity of the federation”

“And herein do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void of offence toward God, and toward men.” Acts 24:16

Being circumspect, having a heart and life of godly integrity, should be the prayer and goal of every person who names the name of Christ (2 Timothy 2:19).

“And in all things that I have said unto you be circumspect: and make no mention of the name of other gods, neither let it be heard out of thy mouth.” Exodus 23:13

“God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?” Exodus 23:19 

The LORD is a God of pure and perfect integrity and commands His people to be likewise.

“My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.” 1 John 3:18

“See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise,” Ephesians 5:15

“Circumspectly – Exactly, with the utmost accuracy, getting to the highest pitch of every point of holiness. Not as fools – Who think not where they are going, or do not make the best of their way.” John Wesley

“In the next seven verses, Paul contrasts foolish footsteps and careful conduct by a series of negative and positive exhortations. The first is a general plea to his readers to walk not as fools but as wise. As mentioned previously, walk, is one of the key words of the Epistle: it is mentioned seven times to describe ‘the whole round of the activities of the individual life.’ To walk circumspectly is to live in the light of our position as God’s children. To walk as fools means to descend from this high plane to the conduct of worldly men.” William MacDonald, Believer’s Bible Commentary

“Walk circumspectly – Our word circumspect, from the Latin circirmspicio, signifies to look round about on all hands; to be every way watchful, wary, and cautious, in order to avoid danger, discern enemies before they come too nigh, and secure a man’s interest by every possible and lawful means. But the original word ακριβως signifies correctly, accurately, consistently, or perfectly. Be ye, who have received the truth, careful of your conduct; walk by the rule which God has given you; do this as well in little as in great matters; exemplify your principles, which are holy and good, by a corresponding conduct; do not only profess, but live the Gospel. As you embrace all its promises, be careful also to embrace all its precepts; and behave yourselves so, that your enemies may never be able to say that ye are holy in your doctrines and profession, but irregular in your lives.” Adam Clarke

Examples of Integrity – Representing Christ

When speaking to others about the LORD, do you show them and/or speak HIS words to them? Or, like so many others today, do you attempt to explain God using only your own words? DO YOU have integrity to use the Word of God?

“Preach the word.” 2 Timothy 4:2

“If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God.” 1 Peter 4:11

In Dealing with the Opposite Sex

When a beautiful lady walks in the room, how do you currently react? What if she’s a married woman, another man’s wife? Dare we lust after another man’s wife? Read 1 Thessalonians 4.

“But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.” Matthew 5:28

Do we objectify women out of an adulterous heart of lust?

“I made a covenant with mine eyes; why then should I think upon a maid?” Job 31:1

No, this doesn’t mean that godly men are to attempt to deny that women are beautiful. Such would be unnatural. The LORD made them that way and put the magnetic attraction between the sexes for His purposes – and not for us to lust after them outside the context of marriage. The last thing we need in our day is more men without “natural affection” (Romans 1:31; 2 Timothy 3:3). Admit it – women are beautiful. Also, admit and acknowledge that God calls us to be holy and possessed with His integrity. Oh and He’s watching how we view His ladies. Purity by way of the daily cross is the only solution (2 Corinthians 4:10-12; Galatians 2:20). | The Cross

“Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful:” Romans 1:31

“Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,” 2 Thessalonians 3:3

Do You Have “Eyes full of Adultery”?

“Having eyes full of adultery, and that cannot cease from sin; beguiling unstable souls: an heart they have exercised with covetous practices; cursed children:” 2 Peter 2:14  

Godly Integrity in Business

IF you own a company and have 1 or more employees, teach your people to RESPECT your clients. Be a person of godly integrity (Proverbs 20:7).

Godly Integrity in Stewardship

Do you spend all on the god of self? Or, are you a giver who helps poor Christians and true original Gospel ministries? Read Matthew 6:19-24; 2 Corinthians 9:6-11.

Godly Integrity in Parenting

Are you teaching these Bible truths to others, to your children?

Are you a God fearing parent? Are you training up your children HIS stated way? If not, the LORD is calling you to repentance, now. God is watching and holding you personally accountable to teach His Word to HIS children He gave you on loan. | Godly Parenting Now

The truly God-fearing man/woman will without wavering do God’s will no matter what, even when it brings great harm upon themselves:

“In whose eyes a vile person is contemned; but he honoureth them that fear the LORD. He that sweareth to his own hurt, and changeth not.” Psalms 15:4

“Integrity” appears 16 times in God’s Word – the King James Bible. Here are some of those instances:

“Let me be weighed in an even balance, that God may know mine integrity.” Job 31:5

“The LORD shall judge the people: judge me, O LORD, according to my righteousness, and according to mine integrity that is in me.” Psalms 7:8

“Let integrity and uprightness preserve me; for I wait on thee.” Psalms 25:21

“A Psalm of David. Judge me, O LORD; for I have walked in mine integrity: I have trusted also in the LORD; therefore I shall not slide.” Psalms 26:1