Watching any reality show that involves competition, we see competitors displaying their true character either by lying or doing underhand things to win. However, there are a few who stand for what is true. Some people do stand out and win by sticking to their principles. One can compete and still retain their dignity and self-respect. How is this possible? It all boils down to Integrity.
Integrity is the quality or state of being of sound moral principle, uprightness, honesty, and sincerity. In this changing world where it seems ok to lie a bit about this and that, to be dishonest so as to move up the ladder in society, is it possible to be a person of integrity?
In the book of Acts we read about Ananias and Sapphira who sold a piece of property and brought just a portion of the money to the apostles, while pretending it was the whole amount. They lied to the Holy Spirit and their fellow brethren and paid a terrible price-death.
Therefore, if there are grey areas in our lives we must confess them and always stand for what is true. We should live our lives with such integrity that when we simply give our word, no one will doubt it.
Integrity means never having to look over your shoulder because you know you walk in the paths of righteousness. The measure of a man’s character is what he would do if he knew he never would be found out.
“He grants a treasure of common sense to the honest. He is a shield to those who walk with integrity.”
Proverbs 2:7
Rejection of God leads to moral depreciation of mankind
God’s anger at sin.
Romans 1:18-25
18 But God shows his anger from heaven against all sinful, wicked people who push the truth away from themselves. 19 For the truth about God is known to them instinctively. God has put this knowledge in their hearts. 20 From the time the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky and all that God made. They can clearly see his invisible qualities — his eternal power and divine nature. So they have no excuse whatsoever for not knowing God. 21 Yes, they knew God, but they wouldn’t worship him as God or even give him thanks.
And they began to think up foolish ideas of what God was like. The result was that their minds became dark and confused. 22Claiming to be wise, they became utter fools instead. 23 And instead of worshiping the glorious, ever-living God, they worshiped idols made to look like mere people, or birds and animals and snakes. 24 So God let them go ahead and do whatever shameful things their hearts desired. As a result, they did vile and degrading things with each other’s bodies. 25 Instead of believing what they knew was the truth about God, they deliberately chose to believe lies. So they worshiped the things God made but not the Creator himself, who is to be praised forever. Amen.
Word Of The Day: Integrity – Is It Possible
