WALKING IN INTEGRITY

The Bible speaks very highly about integrity. Integrity is a virtue or trait, like so many others, that originates in God. Integrity, when scrupulously followed, will always result in the blessing of the individual, family, society and the nation. Sadly, there are not many followers of this godly trait, because, integrity requires a determined heart to follow it, and it demands, a willingness to sacrifice undesirable things, and accept sufferings, as a prerequisite for following it. People, generally get scared of the price, one has to pay, to walk on the path of integrity.

For our meditation this morning, let us read from Proverbs 10:9, and see what can we learn from the written Word of God.
– “9 He who walks with integrity walks securely, But he who perverts his ways will become known.” – Proverbs 10:9

The one who walks with integrity, gets paid well, despite the struggles, sufferings and the price to pay. The Oxford Dictionary defines integrity thus…
– “the quality of being honest, and a having strong moral principles; the state of being whole and undivided.”

One can gather, by reading the Scriptures, the definitions and various Christian authors, and their Bible based articles, that, integrity is a primary building block, or a foundational principle, for a robust Christian character, which defines the moral and ethical framework for Christians, who are expected to live within its parameters, uncompromisingly. The LORD is clear in the Bible, stressing that, integrity is an absolute essential, for a disciple of the LORD Jesus Christ, and for our moral character, social harmony, and spiritual life. Let us have no second thoughts about it.

This anonymous quote on integrity, speaks quite clearly on this matter.
– “The world needs men who cannot be bought; whose word is their bond; who put character above wealth; who possess opinions and a will; who are larger than their vocations; who do not hesitate to take chances; who will not lose their individuality in a crowd; who will be honest in small things as in great things; who will make no compromise with wrong; whose ambitions are not confined to their own selfish desires; who will not say they do it “because everyone else does it;” who are true to their friends through good report and evil report, in adversity as well as in prosperity; who do not believe that shrewdness, cunning and hard-headedness are the best qualities for winning success; who are not ashamed or afraid to stand for the truth when it is unpopular, who can say “no” with emphasis, although all the rest of the world says “yes.”

Here under a few Scriptures for our clarity and benefit about Christian integrity.
– “14 Do all things without complaining and disputing, 15 that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, 16 holding fast the word of life…” – Philippians 2:14-16 
– “15 He who walks righteously and speaks uprightly, He who despises the gain of oppressions, Who gestures with his hands, refusing bribes, Who stops his ears from hearing of bloodshed, And shuts his eyes from seeing evil: 16 He will dwell on high; His place of defence will be the fortress of rocks; Bread will be given him, His water will be sure.” – Isaiah 33:15

What do we want to choose for ourselves this morning? Would we want to walk this biblical path of integrity? Are we willing to determinedly desire to walk this path? Are we willing to place God above all else? Would we want to honour our LORD, by walking this path of integrity, in all aspects of our life? Are we willing to pay the price for such a walk? It is worth every effort, dear brother and sister. It is worth it. May we always aspire to hear our LORD say, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant.” – Matthew 25:21