Integrity is a disposition that focuses upon consistency of moral character. Throughout Scripture, people of integrity are portrayed as trustworthy and faithful, reflecting God’s own character and values in their words and actions.

You might recall the dialogue recorded at the beginning of the Book of Job when the Lord asked Satan what he’d been up to. Satan replied that he had been “roaming around the earth,” seemingly looking for someone to harass and tempt, to which the Lord responded,   

 “Have you considered my servant Job? There is no one on earth like him; he is blameless and upright, a man who fears God and shuns evil” (Job 1:8).

God described “Integrity” perfectly when He described Job’s character as being “blameless and upright,” “fearing God,” and “turning away from evil.”

Even though Solomon didn’t always follow his own advice, he knew the blessings that flowed from a life of integrity when he said,

“Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but whoever takes crooked paths will be found out” (Proverbs 10:9).

In a similar vein, Solomon also knew that,

“The integrity of the upright guides them, but the perversity of the treacherous destroys them” (Proverbs 11:3).

Solomon understood the importance of integrity when he observed that those who live a life of integrity are “guided” by their desire to live morally upright and as a result, they walk “securely” in the light of God’s favor.

Solomon also understood the value of acting justly and righteously, realizing that it is more acceptable to God than offering sacrifices,

“To do what is right and just is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice” (Proverbs 21:3) 

And David, Solomon’s father, acknowledged that because his hope was in the Lord, a life of integrity would guide and protect him,

“May integrity and uprightness protect me, because my hope, Lord, is in you” (Psalm 25:21).

We should also realize that integrity involves living lives of consistent moral behavior, even when no one is watching! Jesus exemplified such integrity when He was led into the wilderness alone, to be tempted by the devil. As we know, Jesus resisted the temptation of the evil one, and went on to live a sinless life, serving as the supreme model for every follower of Christ. As the writer of Hebrews said,

For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin (Hebrews 4:15). 

Christians are called to follow Jesus’ example by maintaining moral excellence in all areas of life. In fact, Jesus called His followers to model His own life, saying,

“It is enough that a disciple become like His Master” (Matthew 10:25).

Indeed, we are all called to reflect Christ’s character in our daily lives, allowing the Holy Spirit to guide and empower us to make right moral decisions. And this is a daily process, as the Apostle Paul reminds us that every follower of Christ is,

“. . . being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit (2 Corinthians 3:18).

Friends, let’s remember that integrity shapes our character and empowers us to make decisions that reflect God’s character and the values that flow from His Word. I encourage each of us to demonstrate godly behavior in all we do, knowing that we are reflecting the life of Jesus in everything we say and do. As we model Jesus, let us also remember Job who was “upright and blameless,” “fearing God,” and always “turning away from evil.”

May the Lord bless you this week.