The
Call to Integrity
Integrity is a
wonderful thing, though it’s all too rare even among Christians today. We need
to understand and heed God’s high calling to the perfect and blameless life.
When the Word of God is given the prominent place in our lives it deserves, the
standard set in the scripture becomes our measuring rod for personal integrity.
You and I can’t live a life of integrity in our own strength, and we’ll admit
that if we’re honest with ourselves. But, the Good News is the Holy Spirit
dwells in us to make us people of the highest biblical character.
Righteousness,
uprightness, and trustworthiness are the attributes the Bible ascribes to a
person of integrity. Examine these excerpts from Psalm 15:
v. 1,2
“Lord, who may abide in Your tabernacle? Who may dwell on your holy hill? He
who walks uprightly, and works righteousness, and speaks the truth in his
heart…”
v. 3b “…does [no] evil to his neighbor…”
v. 4b “…he who swears to his own hurt and does not change.”
(or, one who
keeps his word even when it hurts). v. 5b “…nor does he take a bribe
against the innocent. He who does these things shall
never be moved.”
Wow! This man
or woman God describes “shall never be moved.” That speaks of the solid, unshakable
faith and character the Holy Spirit develops in those who are determined to
live open and transparent lives before God and His people. This chapter also
speaks of abiding in God’s tabernacle and dwelling on His holy hill. What a
beautiful picture of intimacy with God, and this picture is one He is painting
for all who strive to live and love honestly.
The Lord calls
you and me to be people of spotless integrity. We may not find many examples of
integrity in the media or even in our personal relationships and travels. But
the less regard for truth we witness in the world, the greater the witness of
Jesus Christ in us becomes. What IS important is that we find integrity when we
look in the mirror! The mirror I’m speaking of is the Word of God. You see,
when we read God’s Word, Christ is revealed, and so are we. All that the Word
exposes leads to us beg Christ to help us, then he imparts His Spirit and
integrity to us.
So let’s be
true to the One who leads us into all truth. He IS the truth, and that truth
lives in us, truly making us men
and women of integrity.
Love and peace,
Pastor Eric
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