Integrity

‘Talent can get you to the top. Only character will keep you there.’

Craig Groeschel

Abraham Lincoln once said, ‘Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man’s character, give him power’. Character is the outworking of integrity whether for good or for bad. A Biblical definition of integrity is ‘the quality of being honest, consistent, and morally upright, where a person’s actions align with their values and words, even when no one is watching. They are not divided or hypocritical, but trustworthy and dependable’.
Depending on our background, walking in integrity may take years to build, yet it can be lost in a matter of minutes if we are careless with our thoughts and actions. It is noteworthy that David was described as a man after ‘God’s own heart’ (1 Samuel 13:14). Though he committed serious sins, adultery, murder, and pride he consistently returned to God in repentance unlike Saul. David’s Psalms reveal a man who deeply longed for God’s presence and guidance.

Bible perspective
‘Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but whoever takes crooked paths will be found out’ (Proverbs 10:9).
‘May integrity and uprightness protect me, because my hope, Lord, is in you’ (Psalm 25:21).
Job is described as a man who ‘still maintains his integrity’ despite trials (Job 2:3).
Thus, integrity is not just personal morality, but seeking to live an undivided life of truth, righteousness, and trustworthiness that honours God.

Observation

Here are some useful verses to help us to walk in integrity:
- ‘Search me, 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’ (Psalm 139:23-24).
- ‘But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin’ (1 John 1:7).
- ‘But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what they have done has been done in the sight of God’ (John 3:21).
  If we come before God and sincerely ask Him to show us anything amiss in our lives, we usually don’t need to go searching as He will bring it to our mind.
‘Be perfect as your heavenly Father is perfect’ (Matthew 5:48). In seeking to walk with integrity watch out for unwise perfectionism which can lead to anxiety for yourself and others. E.g. there was a stage in my life that I examine my motives and deeds very closely and I became over sensitive to things I had done wrong. On one occasion I was very critical of a person in ministry who was not performing well. I was openly critical of him with a few others until someone rightly stopped me in my tracks. I felt convicted by this sin, and asked God to forgive me for my wrongful attitude and then asked the one I was criticising for their forgiveness. I shouldn’t have approached him in this case as it would have brought him great discouragement in his ministry as he was doing his best. That was not for me to sort out. There are other times however when we have wronged people and we need to apologise
‘There is no condemnation in Christ’ (Romans 8:1). So, where you acknowledge wrong and seek to put it right as best you can, by faith accept your position in Christ who gives us a ‘robe of righteousness’ (Isaiah 61:10).
Accountability groups are important. However, people only share what they choose to share and that may not include the whole story. If the need is there to share a secret sin make sure it is with a few people you can trust. For example, in working with churches I picked up that a youth pastor was having trouble with porn on his computer and in desperation to overcome this he shared it with an Elder for prayer and accountability. That Elder unwisely broke confidentially and the youth leader then felt it necessary to move on. His next ministry was fruitful.
Walking in integrity means we are trustworthy. Stephen R. Covey puts it well when he says, ‘If there is little or no trust, there is no foundation for permanent success’.
The company we keep may have an influence on our integrity. ‘Do not envy the wicked, do not desire their company….’ (Proverbs 21:1). A good question to ask ourselves: do the people we predominantly mix with, draw us closer to God or away from Him. Are they people of faith or negativity?
‘Those who guard their mouths and their tongues keep themselves from calamity’ Proverbs 21:23. How easy it is to speak out of turn and regret it later. I can relate to that! If possible, seek to create a ‘gap’ before replying.
Unfortunately, as leaders we must sometimes confront situations where some of our leaders fail in integrity. We must always extend grace and depending on the severity of the case step them down from ministry at least for a restorative period. James gives us good advice. ‘Whoever turns a sinner from the error of their way will save them from death and cover over a multitude of sins’ (5:20).

The song below is written by Keith Green based on Psalm 51 which is David’s prayer of repentance after his sin with Bathsheba, asking God for mercy and restoration.

Verse 1 Verse 2

‘Create in me a clean heart, oh God       ‘Cast me not away from Thy presence, oh Lord
And renew a right spirit within me       And take not Thy Holy Spirit from me
Create in me a clean heart, oh God        Restore unto me the joy of Thy salvation
And renew a right spirit within me.’     And renew a right spirit within me.’

‘….. a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.’ Psalm 51:17.

Resources
Stephen R. Covey, 7 Habits of Highly Effective People.
John C. Maxwell & Jim Dornan, Becoming a person of Influence.

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