Just before I started writing this blog I began hearing a song in my spirit that I used to listen to on the radio when I was growing up. A lady would sing these words: “May the works I’ve done speak for me. May the life I live speak for me. May the service I give speak for me.” What this song meant to me was to live on purpose for Jesus Christ; to do everything as unto the Lord. We were not to just talk about wanting to please the Lord but, show it in our actions.
The old adage is true, actions speak louder than words. For example, if you really love me then don’t just tell me but, display it in how you treat me. The same is true with the Lord. If we say that Jesus Christ is our Lord and Savior then our lives should exemplify that fact. People should see His love through us. They should be able to experience His attributes flowing from us as opposed to just hearing us talk about how much we love Him. Don’t get me wrong, it’s vitally important that you tell people you love and care about them, and adding unconditional kindness to those words makes it all the more believable.
We must live lives of integrity. What comes out of our mouths as Christians has to line up with what is seen in our daily activities. For instance, if we talk about how we love God so much, or how often we go to church and then we have a short fuse at the slightest little thing, then we’re going to leave some people scratching their heads and a little confused. If I’m quick to twist the truth and then embarrassingly call it “a little white lie,” then I have just compromised my integrity because lying is not a part of my Savior’s character.
Some things we’ve been doing for years due to learned behavior or the environment in which we grew up. It has become a part of our lifestyle and we haven’t even given it a second thought. Let’s pause for a moment each day and ask the Lord to help us live lives that are full of His character at all times. When we miss the mark, and we sometimes will, let’s be quick to repent and ask the Lord to cleanse us from unrighteousness (1Jn 1:9). Our highest desire should be to please Him. We then can add our own personal line to the song mentioned above and sing, “May the integrity I’ve shown speak for me.”
Reflections
- Do you think that God approves of us doing things contrary to the character of a true believer?
- What can you do to strengthen integrity in your life until it becomes as natural to you as wearing clothing (Psalm 132:9)?
- Examine how you handle things on a daily basis in your home, school, church, on your job, etc. Make sure that integrity is seen in all that you do.
The words honesty and integrity are often interchangeable. Being honest is definitely a part of integrity. Let’s look at the word honesty a little closer. It is synonymous with being truthful. The Bible says that “God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.” Jn 4:24 KJV This tells me that the Lord wants us to be honest and sincere about seeking Him.
I have often thought that David was brutally honest. In the book of Psalms he didn’t hold anything back! If he thought that God wasn’t moving quickly enough in his situation he didn’t have a problem asking God if He had forgotten about him or if He was going to be angry with him forever. Some people would be too afraid to ask those questions. When his enemies were against him, he had no problem asking God to get rid of them, literally! Thank God that Jesus came along with grace for our enemies, instructing us to love them instead of curse them. My point here is that it is vitally important that we are honest with the Lord in keeping our relationship with Him flowing properly.
If you’re angry about something don’t think for one moment that God does not want to hear about it. Remember, honesty and sincerity touches God’s heart. Let Him know how you feel. If you are the one at fault in a situation then be real and tell God that you messed up. If you repent, God promises to cleanse you from all unrighteousness (1Jn 1:9). There is nothing new to Him because He is all knowing. You cannot tell Him anything that would shock Him. Being honest with God and talking with Him about everything is essential in building your relationship with Him. If you are failing at overcoming different temptations, don’t run away from Him, the enemy would like nothing more than for you to separate from your Heavenly Father. Instead run to the Lord, He’s waiting with listening ears, healing counsel, and the power to bring darkness to light.
Reflections
1. Think of a situation in which you participated and you knew that God was not pleased with your involvement. What was your relationship with God like during that time?
2. Did you try to hide from Him like Adam did in the Garden of Eden?
3. What made you be truthful and confess your faults to God so that you could keep your relationship with Him in right standing?
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“I will walk in the ways of integrity. When will you come to me? I will conduct my business with integrity in the midst of my palace.” Psalm 101:2 Net Bible
The Bible says that we were made in the image of God. That is a monumental truth and gift that we are honored to have. In fact, mere words cannot even describe the entire essence of what that entails. However, what we do know is that those of us who have accepted Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior should show His characteristics because He is a part of us.
The word of God boldly declares that “ God is love,” (1Jn 4:8) then we should unreservedly love others. We must show love in everything that we do even with those people that challenge our love and try to make us upset, or angry. Real love does not repay evil for evil.
Integrity is also one of those characteristics that the Lord wants and encourages His children to naturally display. Some words that mean the same as integrity are: honesty, virtue, honor, not swaying, righteous, and upright. When you are a person of integrity people can easily detect it and they will respect you as a person who stands for righteousness. They’ll know not to ask you to do anything dishonest because of your Christian stance. If someone should ask you to participate in doing something contrary to the will of your Heavenly Father, let integrity and love partner together and boldly decline their offer.
We must resolve within ourselves that we are going to be people of integrity at all times, whether we’re alone or interacting with others.
Reflections
1. Examine yourself and determine if you are consistently walking in integrity? If you see where there is room for improvement repent and ask the Lord to help you get it right. He will honor your sincerity (1Jn 1:9)
2. Would you compromise your integrity if it was going to be an advantage for you?
3. Why do you think the Lord holds integrity of great importance?
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