We hear the word integrity used frequently and we value those who have it. Above all other people on this earth Christians should have this quality. It is the basis of trust and hope and positive interaction with those around us.
Webster defines the word as “having a firm adherence to a code especially moral or artistic values.” We live in a world where we wonder if we can trust what others say and struggle to give them the benefit of doubt in their actions. The problem is often a lack of integrity. Consider the importance of this word in our lives.
None can question the integrity of God. Three times the Bible uses the expression “God is faithful” (1 Cor. 1:9; 10:13; 2 Cor. 1:18). He is trustworthy and Paul talks about his confidence he had in God. “I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep what I have committed to Him until that day” (2 Tim. 1:12). Our relationship with God is based on His integrity to always do the right thing.
The problem comes when we have an expectation of others to have integrity—that firm adherence to a moral code of behavior. Paul wrote to Timothy about two teachers who once proclaimed the truth, but they no longer had integrity and now were denying the resurrection. After describing how the lives of Hymenaeus and Philetus had destroyed the faith of some, Paul said, “Nevertheless the solid foundation of God stands” (2 Tim. 1:19). We must never let the absence of integrity of men weaken our trust in God.
Think about the importance of integrity in every relationship you have. As Christians we must have an unwavering devotion to our code of righteousness so that others can have confidence in trusting us. Destroy that integrity and the trust and hope others have in us is gone.
Children must see parents as having integrity. We must do more than simply verbally embracing devotion to honesty, purity, godliness and to the church. We must live it before them. This does not mean we never can make mistakes, for we all will, but it does mean they see how we handle these mistakes with the code of morality we have embraced in our lives.
Husbands and wives must treasure the integrity they bring to the marriage. Deception, lying, and deceit in dealing with our mates will bring ruin to the marriage. When they can have confidence in our unwavering devotion to the code of morality, the marriage is assured of happiness.
God help us to be as trustworthy as He is!