Be a person of INTEGRITY. When you think about qualities that define a person, what comes to mind? Compassion, intelligence, strength, bravery? While these are all admirable traits, there is one characteristic that arguably stands above them all: Integrity. Integrity paves the way to honesty, fairness, and morality. It molds an individual into a reliable, genuine, and trustworthy person. But, what does it mean to be a person of integrity?

Introduction

Integrity stems from the Latin term ‘integer’, meaning ‘whole’. It depicts an individual who is complete, in terms of honesty and high moral principles. Individuals with integrity stand firm in their beliefs, consistently uphold their principles, and maintain a consistency of actions, values, and outcomes, regardless of the situation.

Embrace Honesty

for we aim at what is honorable not only in the Lord’s sight but also in the sight of man.

2 Corinthians 8:21, ESV

To be a person of integrity, we must embrace honesty. Honesty in every aspect of life, even when no one is watching, is critical. It is the practice of being truthful, not just in big circumstances but also in daily interactions.

1. Be Honest in Relationships: Foster open and honest communication with friends, family, and colleagues. Share your thoughts and feelings sincerely.
2. Practice Financial Integrity: Whether in personal finances or business dealings, ensure transparency and ethics. Avoid deceitful practices and be accountable for your financial decisions.
3. Serve Others: Look for opportunities to help those in need without seeking recognition. This aligns with the spirit of acting honorably before God and others.
4. Reflect on Your Actions: Regularly assess your behavior and motivations. Ask yourself if your actions align with your values and if others would see them as honorable.
5. Encourage Others: Inspire those around you to act with integrity. Share your experiences and the importance of honesty in various aspects of life.
6. Pray for Guidance: Seek God’s wisdom in your decisions and interactions. Ask for strength to uphold integrity in challenging situations.

By integrating these practices, you can embody the message of 2 Corinthians 8:21 in your everyday life, fostering a culture of trust and honor.

The importance of maintaining integrity

“Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but he who makes his ways crooked will be found out.”

Proverbs 10:9 (ESV)

This verse underscores that being grounded in integrity protects us and provides a firm foundation on which to build our lives.

Job is an excellent example of a person of integrity. Despite losing everything he had, he did not sin or charge God with wrong. Likewise, Daniel distinguished himself above all the other high officials because an excellent spirit was in him, and the king planned to set him over the entire kingdom (Daniel 6:3, ESV). The story of Daniel demonstrates that living a life of integrity can set us apart, even in the eyes of worldly authorities.

Being a person of integrity is not easy; it requires us to be truthful, honest, and reliable, even when the circumstances may tempt us otherwise. The fruits of integrity, however, are immeasurable, bringing peace, joy, and sincere relationships. As we strive to live a life of integrity, let us constantly look to God, our perfect example of integrity.

“Dear God, thank you for the gift of life and the values you instill in us. We pray that you instill in us a heart of integrity. Help us to be honest in our dealings, faithful to our commitments, and reliable to those around us. Keep us from the misleading allure of deceit and dishonesty. Instead, strengthen us to be men and women of integrity, reflecting your character in all we do. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

Let’s pray for integrity: