> Integrity is the quality of being honest and having strong moral principles. In the Christian walk, integrity is not merely a virtue to aspire to; it is the bedrock upon which a life of faith is built. Living with integrity means aligning our actions with the truth of God’s Word, even when no one is watching.
This devotional explores how living with integrity strengthens our faith and bears witness to the transformative power of the Gospel.
The Biblical Call to Integrity
Proverbs 10:9 states, “Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but whoever takes crooked paths will be found out” (NIV). This wisdom from Solomon highlights the peace and security that come from living a life of integrity. It contrasts the instability and exposure that eventually befall those who choose dishonesty and deceit.
In the New Testament, Paul urges the believers in Ephesus to “put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness” (Ephesians 4:22-24, ESV). This call to live in righteousness and holiness is a call to integrity, reflecting the character of God in every aspect of our lives.
Insights from Christian Leaders
Charles Spurgeon, the renowned preacher, once said, “A good character is the best tombstone. Those who loved you and were helped by you will remember you when forget-me-nots have withered. Carve your name on hearts, not on marble.” Spurgeon’s words remind us that the legacy of integrity we leave behind is far more valuable than any material success we might achieve.
“A good character is the best tombstone. Those who loved you and were helped by you will remember you when forget-me-nots have withered. Carve your name on hearts, not on marble.”
Charles Spurgeon
In more recent times, Billy Graham echoed the importance of integrity, stating, “Integrity is the glue that holds our way of life together. We must constantly strive to keep our integrity intact; when wealth is lost, nothing is lost; when health is lost, something is lost; when character is lost, all is lost.” Graham’s insight underscores the foundational role of integrity in a Christian’s life and its value above all worldly possessions.
Reflective Questioning:
- Can you identify areas in your life where you struggle to maintain integrity? What steps can you take to address these challenges?
- How does living with integrity impact your relationship with God and with others?
- Reflect on a time when someone’s integrity (or lack thereof) significantly influenced your life. What did you learn from that experience?
Closing
As followers of Christ, we are called to be lights in the darkness, and living with integrity is one of the most powerful ways we can shine. Let us strive to align our lives with the truth of God’s Word, knowing that our integrity not only pleases God but also serves as a beacon of hope and truth to those around us.
May we be encouraged by the words of Psalm 15: “Lord, who may dwell in your sacred tent? Who may live on your holy mountain? The one whose walk is blameless, who does what is righteous, who speaks the truth from their heart” (Psalm 15:1-2, NIV). Let this be our aspiration and our prayer, that we would walk blamelessly, act righteously, and speak truthfully, reflecting the character of our Lord Jesus Christ in all we do.
As we commit to living with integrity, may our faith be strengthened, and may our lives bear witness to the transforming power of the Gospel. Amen.
Share what have you discovered about the value of maintaining integrity in every facet of life?
How have others responded to the integrity that you live by? What rules do you live by to help preserve and grow your integrity? How will you improve your integrity going forward? Leave a reply below.
