“Integrity is a fundamental pillar
of Character.
What
is integrity?
The
Psalmist speaks of a man “who keeps his oath even when it hurts.” ~ Psalm
15:4b. In that statement, we have the basic definition of integrity,
which is, standing by your words, particularly when it’s not convenient.
Integrity
is a measure of the percentage of your promises that you keep. It is easy to make
promises, particularly in times of excitement and good feelings. But most
times, the circumstances under which we have to fulfil those promises might be
a far cry from what they were when we made them. When the time comes to
go through with what we said, it might no longer be easy and convenient. Integrity
is your capacity to keep your promises, even when it’s not convenient.
To
be a person of integrity means that you’ll rather die than break your promises.
It means that you do not say things you don’t intend to do. It means that you
do not speak carelessly.
To
walk in integrity does not mean that you are flawless or perfect. But it
means that you admit your shortcomings. A person of integrity does not try to
cover up mistakes with more results, but rather owns up to them and makes
amends where necessary.”
I went on to highlight
the values and benefits of integrity…
The
values and benefits of integrity
“Integrity
is the foundation of an enduring legacy. According to the
bible, ‘A
good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favour rather
than silver and gold.’(Proverbs 22:1). Also,
‘A good name is better than precious ointment; and the day of death than the
day of one’s birth.” (Ecclesiastes 7:1).
Never
build your image on your reputation, gifts, or talents. Build it rather on your
character.
For
instance, I do not see myself as being in the ministry, but rather as being in
a love affair with God. My personal relationship with God is more
important to me than my work as a pastor. So, my priority is to make that
relationship sound and solid. The former is the substance of my
character, the later is merely the expression of that character.
Again,
I do not aim at being a great speaker or writer. I do not want my gifts and
talents to define me. I rather want to be a great husband and dad,
through sacrificial and exemplary godly living. It is easy to be a
Christian in church and in the public, but very difficult to be one before your
spouse and kids who live with you under the same roof, and who see you every
moment of every day. I want to be a model, not for the world, but for my
wife, and my kids. I believe that goal will help me develop the quality
of integrity, more than merely becoming more skillful in my work.
People
of integrity enjoy great inner peace with God and with themselves.
They may not be liked, but they are trusted, and trust is the number one key to influence.
So, people of integrity have influence; people trust them, believe them, and follow them.”
They may not be liked, but they are trusted, and trust is the number one key to influence.
So, people of integrity have influence; people trust them, believe them, and follow them.”
Walking in integrity is
a very difficult choice. We live in an imperfect world that seems to
suggest that it’s foolishness to be honest and righteous. All around us
we encounter people who actually appear to be rewarded for being
dishonest. This is a real challenge for the man or woman who decides to
walk in integrity.
How
to walk in integrity.
“#1. Cultivate a love for it.
Concerning
Jesus Christ it was written that ‘You love righteousness and hate
wickedness; therefore God, your God, has set you above your companions.’ ~
Psalm 45:7 He walked in impeccable integrity because He just loved the
virtue of integrity! Think about that.
So,
personal passion and love for integrity is the greatest motivation and drive
for integrity. In order to walk in integrity, you must love it.
#2. Meditate on the beauty and
blessings of integrity.
A
lot of political, business, and religious leaders abuse their positions of
power to deceive their followers and constituencies. I have been helped
immensely to walk in integrity by meditating on the following verse of
scripture: ‘…
a poor man is better than a liar.” ~ Proverbs 19:22. This
scripture helps me strengthen my resolve to rather be poor than be a cheat and
a liar.
When
I meditate on the fact that ‘A good name is rather to be chosen
than great riches…’ ~ Proverbs 22:1, it inspires me to make the
investment of time, energy, and money to leave a good name for my kids, and
empowers me to make the daily choices and sacrifices that move me further along
the path of integrity.
If
you want to walk in integrity, you must meditate daily on the beauty and
blessings of integrity from scriptures, and by learning of men who walked and
influenced the world through integrity.
#3. Associate with men and women
of integrity.
Your
associations matter. So, mind your company. According to the bible,
‘He
who walks with the wise grows wise, but a companion of fools suffers harm.’
~ Proverbs 13:20. Make
friends with people of impeccable integrity, righteousness, sincerity, and
honesty. Spend time with them, come under their influence.
Fellowship with men and women whose lives challenge you to pursue integrity.
#4. Seek the help of God through
prayer.
Ultimately,
you and I will need the help of God in order to walk in integrity, particularly
in those moments that we are tempted and pressured to compromise. David
was a king that led his people with integrity, yet he faltered in many
ways. During one of his weakest moments, he cried out to God, ‘Create
in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.’ ~ Psalm
51:10.
When
you choose to walk in integrity, you should expect to receive help from
God. In those moments that you are tempted and pressured to cave in,
remember to seek the help of God through prayer. He will strengthen you
with power in your inner man by His Spirit. But He will also give you
tokens of His goodness to establish the value of integrity, and power your
motivation to move on.”
At the end of the
sermon, I challenged the congregation to repent and ask for God’s forgiveness
in all the areas that we’ve failed to walk uprightly in integrity and sincerity
of heart. Then I spent some time praying for God’s help and strength to
enable us to walk in integrity.
I extend that prayer to
you today: May the Almighty God inspire you and strengthen your resolve to walk
in integrity all the days of your life, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
