Integrity is derived from the root word integer, which means “a whole number or a thing complete in itself”. Integrity is the condition of being unified or sound in construction, of internal consistency without corruption. Integrity means being integrated.
Applied to a person, integrity is often associated with the quality of being consistent in word and action, in public presentation and reality. Honesty, incorruptibility, uprightness are close synonyms.
The Bible tells us that God "test(s) the heart and (is) pleased with integrity" (1 Chron. 29:17a). People of integrity go beyond talk in their lifestyles. Their actions reflect their character. Integrity is a choice that brings lasting success in ministry. It gives lasting power. A leader cannot rise beyond the limitation of his character.
How can a believer demonstrate integrity in our conduct at home, at work, in church, in ministry, etc.? Below are some steps we can take.
Keep it simple
Being “simple” is different from being “simplistic”. We cannot afford to be simplistic. Life is very complex. Everything we do has consequences.
We must weigh the pros and the cons in every decision. Sometimes decisions are difficult when considering “grey areas” but we must never take advantage of such situations to do wrong.
Jesus taught his disciples: “Simply let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No’; anything beyond this comes from the evil one.” (Matt. 5:37). All things equal, the less we have to explain ourselves in an action, the better it is. Conversely, beware of actions that require mountains of explanations. This approach also protects “weak” Christians (1 Cor. 8, Rom. 14) or the less knowledgeable ones from being stumbled by our actions that they cannot understand.
Search our hearts
The Bible reminds us that “The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?” (Jer. 17:9) We are full of misperceptions and self-deceptions.
Be careful never to attempt to justify wrong actions through rationalization. Beware too, of actions that once seemed unacceptable but have become acceptable over time, whether through our own participation in them or our observation of others’ participation.
Like David, we pray, “Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” (Ps. 139:23–24). We must spend quality time with God allowing Him to search our hearts and cleanse us.
Fear God only
The Pharisees attempted to trap Jesus in His words, but they nevertheless gave an accurate description of integrity. “Teacher, we know you are a man of integrity and that you teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. You aren’t swayed by men, because you pay no attention to who they are.” (Matt. 22:16)
Fear of man is a primary factor undermining the integrity of many Christians. We fear being “fired” from a job or losing someone’s admiration, friendship, etc. Remember: the Bible tells us that “the man of integrity walks securely, but he who takes crooked paths will be found out” (Prov. 10:9). I can say confidently that no person who decides to obey God will ever regret it because His blessings far outweigh all else.
Paul’s farewell speech to the Ephesian elders (Acts 20:18-35) illustrates how we must live. He said, “You know how I lived the whole time I was with you, from the first day I came into the province of Asia… I declare to you today that I am innocent of the blood of all men. For I have not hesitated to proclaim to you the whole will of God… I have not coveted anyone’s silver of gold of clothing…”
Let us declare the same to our family, friends, colleagues, and those we serve, that we have only sought to do right without fear of man or self-interest whatsoever. May the Lord bless our every endeavour as we determine to live lives of intergrity.
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