Rich in Integrity

"Better is a poor person who walks in his integrity

than one who is crooked in speech and is a fool."

Proverbs 19:1 ESV

"You must be rich," the lab technician observed as she prepped me for my blood draw.  At first I was a bit offended and even amused.  

"Me?  Rich?  Hardly!"  I replied as I compared my financial state to the wealthy with big houses, nice clothes and fancy cars.  Then I realized the truth- I am rich.  There is so much more to wealth than money.

Careful.  Words are a dime a dozen, passed around like cheap party favors found at the Dollar Store.  I can say things for effect, to elicit a certain reaction from others. Or I can make claims in order to win an argument or make a specific point.  I can even use promises as leverage, to manipulate others for my benefit.  Each of these examples illustrate a careless and reckless attitude, demonstrating a disrespect for the power of words.  When I yield to the Spirit of integrity dwelling within, however, I will mean what I say and say what I mean (Galatians 5:16, Matthew 5:37, James 5:12).

There is a medieval proverb that says, "If a man's life be lightning, his words are thunder."  I often shudder when lightning flashes during a heavy thunderstorm, not because I fear the light but because I know the thunder is coming.  The impact of the crack of thunder can cause the walls of the house to rattle and send children and pets running for safety under beds and in closets.  In the same way my words have an impact on others.  I can either build up or tear down simply in the choice of words that I use (Ephesians 4:29, 1 Thessalonians 5:11).  Therefore, I would be wise to speak carefully.

I am rich in integrity when I realize the power of words and therefore choose to use them to edify the lives of others.

Trustworthy.  There are some people I know I can count on and others who don't always follow through.  At first I give the latter the benefit of the doubt, believing they ran into trouble or encountered a roadblock that kept them from living up to their obligations.  After several times, though, they lose my trust and I don't even count on them, even if they sincerely promise to do something.  They have proved themselves as untrustworthy.

Instead of falling into this category, it is my desire to reflect the nature of God's indwelling Spirit and establish myself as reliable and dependable.  Therefore, I must live up to my promises, being honest and true to myself.  If I try to do things I think I should do but are contrary to my calling or character, I'll never be able to live up to it.  Instead, it's better to live authentically, flaws and all, and show myself as faithful than to build up an high ideal of a persona I could never maintain.  Part of being trustworthy is to be the woman God created me to be.

I am rich in integrity when I realize the power of living up to my potential as my true self so that others can count on me.

God-Confident.  There is enough confidence in this world to choke a team of hogs.  The culture in which I live encourages me to be sure of myself, trusting in my dreams and aspirations, believing I can do whatever I put my mind to.  Having just attended my nephew's high school graduation, I can attest to the fact that the next generation is hearing much of these inspirational messages meant to spur them on to greatness.

No wonder I have so much trouble humbling myself before a holy God, depending solely upon Him to empower me, equip me and guide me.  I want to do as the world says and pull myself up by my bootstraps, bolster myself against the storms of life and depend on my own wherewithal to get me through and propel me upward.  But this kind of confidence could better be described as arrogance, self-centered and prideful as it is.  Instead of relying on my own strength and limited resources, I can rejoice in my weaknesses knowing that when there is less of me, there is more of Him (2 Corinthians 2:9-10).

I am rich in integrity when I realize the power that comes from trusting in God for all that I need.

I may not feel wealthy, but if I am walking with Jesus I am rich in integrity.  I know this when I see how He leads me to use my words carefully, develop a trustworthy character, and become more God-confident and less self-assured.  In these ways, I am rich beyond my wildest dreams (Ephesians 1:3)!

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can trust God enough to be true to who He made me to be.

When can I not be relied upon because I can't maintain the facade I've carefully constructed?

How am I self-confident instead of God-confident?  

Integrity

"I will sing of steadfast love and justice;

to you, O LORD, I will make music.

I will ponder the way that is blameless.

Oh when will you come to me?

I will walk with integrity of heart within my house;

I will not set before my eyes anything that is worthless.

I hate the work of those who fall away;

it shall not cling to me.

A perverse heart shall be far from me;

I will know nothing of evil."

Psalm 101:1-4 ESV

David committed himself to walking in integrity.  In this cynical world whose ways run counter to God's, I'm always at risk of being tainted by evil, influenced by pessimism, shaped by darkness.  To live wholeheartedly devoted to God's best for His people means I'll often find myself criticized, even by other believers, as being judgmental or acting as a Pharisee.  Even though I don't want to come across as either, there are boundaries I must set for myself as a holy vessel (1 Corinthians 6:19-20, 2 Timothy 2:20-22).

What does it look like to walk with integrity, completely and wholly devoted to God and undivided in my affiliations and purposes?

Intentional.  There is so much evil in the world in which I live.  It streams in through the television, Internet and other forms of entertainment.  The mindsets of evil are constantly spewed forth in the media, by coworkers, friends and acquaintances.  It's easy to think in a way that runs counter to God's ways because the worldly mindsets make sense to my fleshly outlook and appeals to my flesh.  

Since I am so vulnerable, I must live intentionally, purposefully avoiding worthless pursuits and activities, staying far away from that which is wrong, and having nothing to do with sexual immorality, even if it means avoiding my favorite shows or staying away from the water cooler and putting myself at risk of being being labeled as a prude (Colossians 3:5-6, 1 Corinthians 5:11).  Out of respect for my body as a holy vessel in which the Holy Spirit resides, it's worth it.

To walk in integrity like David did, I must live intentionally.

Judge.  Judge not.  Remove the log from your own eye.  Don't be a hater.  No matter how you phrase it, it's obvious I live in a culture that frowns upon making judgments.  Therefore, it's important that I understand the difference between condemnation and discernment.

If I am making a commitment to walk in integrity, wholly devoted to God and His ways, His love will propel me toward the ugly, the hurting, the sinful.  As I come into contact with others, there will be times when my discernment will show me something is off, attitudes are harmful, or behaviors destructive.  After all, there is a plumb line for God's people (Amos 7:8).    

When I realize this, it is the loving thing to gently point my brother or sister back toward the Light, not in a condemning way, but with the desire to restore them in right standing with God and others.  Sin is destructive and looking the other way makes me part of the problem.  Coming along side someone stuck in a harmful pattern, however, and walking with them back to the path that leads to Life is what I am meant to do.  As Oswald Chamber said, "God never gives us discernment in order that we may criticize, but that we may intercede."

To walk in integrity like David did, I will need to discern what is God's best and what is not.

Stand.  "You are the salt of the earth.  But what good is salt if it has lost its flavor?  Can you make it salty again?  It will be thrown out and trampled underfoot as worthless." (Matthew 5:13)  As a follower of Christ, I am meant to impact the world for Him, make a difference in the lives of those around me, bring flavor to an otherwise meager existence.  If I blend in with everyone else, fitting in to the thinking of this world and its ways, I'll lose my ability to influence the world.  I'll lose my flavor.

Therefore, I must stand firm against what is wrong, evil and dark.  If I don't speak out against what is destructive, failing to point out the pain abortion causes, the way gay marriage undermines and weakens the marriage union as God intended, how pornography ruins lives, I'm a part of the problem and have lost my saltiness.  God has placed me where I am to help preserve the society in which I'm living.  

To walk in integrity like David did, I must take a stand for what is right.

It's hard to live in the world as a follower of Christ and not rock the boat.  If I'm to be true to my calling, I will need to intentionally avoid that which is evil, to judge what is not God's best as a way of life, and to take a stand against the darkness.  When I do, I may not be popular, but I'll be walking in integrity as David did.

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can be sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit as He shows me how to love someone enough to discern when they're stuck in a destructive pattern.

How do I avoid taking a stand so that I won't be ostracized by the majority?

When am I so afraid of looking judgmental that I fail to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ with someone who needs Him?   

Fair Measure

"You must have accurate and honest weights and measures,

so that you may live long

in the land the LORD your God is giving you."

Deuteronomy 25:15

"Hello?"

"Hello!  This is Sam from your friendly fundraising organization.  How are you?"

"I'm doing well.  How are you doing today?"

"I'm fine, thank you for asking.  Did you know that you are the first person to ask me how I'm doing all day?  I'm beginning to wonder if you are the only one who cares!  Hahahaha!"

If I've heard this line once, I've heard it a hundred times from one of the numerous telemarketers who call our home.  While I'd like to believe the person on the other end of the line is sincere, I can't continue to fool myself into thinking this is a sentiment that is coming from their heart.  Instead, it is some kind of marketing ploy designed to flatter me into agreeing to financially contributing to their cause. Since it's already been established that I am such a caring, giving person, the obvious decision would be to support their cause!

While I may not be able to trust what is coming out of the mouth of a salesman or charity fundraiser, I should be able to take a believer at his word.  As a follower of Christ, I am to be known for my honesty and upright character so as to honor God who is righteous.  Unfortunately, there are numerous instances when I am tempted to tip the scales in my favor.  In order to glorify God in my everyday life, then, I must guard against my sinful affinity for even the mildest of corruption.

Integrity

I've heard it said that integrity is who I am when no one is looking.   It's easy to put up a front of honest behavior when others are watching, especially if it's someone I want to impress.  When I'm by myself, however, and believe no one will ever find out what I'm doing; that is when my true character is revealed.

If I want to honor God in the way I conduct my affairs, then, I will need to be careful to distribute the love God lavishes upon me with an even hand.  Instead of being more generous and accommodating to those who treat me well, God is better glorified when I choose to deal with those who kick me in the teeth in a compassionate and respectful way. (1 John 4:7-8)

While I tend to hold onto a grudge when I've been hurt, God is better glorified when I choose to let go of the anger and bitterness I may carry in my heart.  Extending forgiveness to all who have wounded me reflects well upon my Father who has forgiven me of much.  (Ephesians 4:32)

It is easier to consider another's needs above my own when that person is gracious and thankful.  I can only claim integrity, however, when I do the same no matter how little recognition I receive for my efforts.  (Philippians 2:3-4)  It is then that God's name will be lifted on high.

I will be guarding against corruption in my life when I strive for integrity.

Consistency

"Mom, I thought you said we needed to wash our own dishes.  Why did you leave yours in the sink?"

Ugh!  My family only knows too well of my willingness to exempt myself of the standard I apply to everyone else.  If I am to reflect well upon my Father, however, I must repent of this sinful tendency.

It's easy for me to expect from others what I'm not willing to do myself.  This heart attitude shows up when I give myself a pass, justifying my actions to make myself feel better. It's been a long day and all I want to do is get home.  I'll let my husband fill up the gas tank in the morning.  Unfortunately for me, everyone in the family knows how many times I've preached against this practice, lambasting anyone who leaves the car on empty.

Then there are the times when I'm irritated at someone, complaining to anyone who will listen about their shameful character traits, especially their tendency to gossip.  Unfortunately for me, I'm performing the same destructive behavior I so arrogantly condemned, making myself out to be a fool and my God as One whose power is impotent against the sin I so brazenly display.

I don't need to try to hold myself to a lower standard; it comes so naturally.  Nowhere is this more evident than when a grumpy sales clerk belittles me and treats me like yesterday's trash.  Instead of showing her the respect I demand from others, I give her a piece of my mind in an effort to protect my own rights.  While this could have been a good opportunity to practice what I preach, I chose to sink to a lower level, letting my flesh lead the charge and prove myself as a hypocrite.

I will be guarding against corruption in my life when I hold myself to the same standard I set for others.

Manipulation

"You had better put down a local address or you'll never get a job."

This is the advice given to my husband who was applying for jobs in the city where God was calling us to relocate.   We reasoned that if God wanted us there, He would supply the work.  Therefore, we wouldn't do anything special to try to win the favor of perspective employers.  Instead, we'd wait on God's perfect timing.

It's easy to take on the mindset of my neighbor, however, thinking I need to manipulate the facts, fudge the results, and tell little white lies in order to get what I think I need.  Instead, as a follower of Christ, I must always keep in mind that I have a Father who has unlimited resources and knows what I need better than I do. (Psalm 50:10, Matthew 6:32-33) If I am to bring Him glory, I must let Him supply my needs.

This means that I must resist the urge to skew the numbers to my benefit when filling out a tax form or application for financial aid.  While my efforts might seem work out to my benefit, I risk bringing dishonor to my name and ultimately to God's when I cheat.  Instead, I can trust my heavenly Father to supply my needs in the way He best sees fit.

Perhaps my love for animals has put me over the landlord's limit.  Instead of coming clean with the true number of pets residing in the house, I attempt to get around the rule by claiming a lower number.  While my effort to provide a loving home for wayward strays may be commendable, my lack of integrity is not.  Instead, I can trust God to protect me from harm and choose to conduct business in truth.

When I'm afraid to see how much tax I'll have to pay on the true cost of the used vehicle I purchased, fudging the numbers on the bill of sale may seem to be the obvious solution.  If I trusted God enough, however, I'd record the true amount paid and let Him provide for the means to cover the resulting bill.

I will be guarding against corruption in my life when I trust God enough to refrain from manipulating circumstances to benefit myself.

It is not always easy to live a life of honor.  As one who follows Christ, though, I must always remember my life is not my own.  Since I was bought with a price, it is important that I honor God in all my ways.  This means I must live with integrity, consistency and enough faith in God to avoid using manipulation.  In these ways I'll be using a fair measure and will glorify Him in the way I live my life.

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can desire to uphold God's holy and righteous reputation.

How do I drag His name through the dirt in the way I live my life?

When am I more concerned with getting the results I want than in how my behavior reflects on the Lord?