Walking in our integrity
Lamentably, we live in a generation that does not take kindly to being told what to do. We still maintain a sense of autonomy while claiming to submit to the Lordship of Christ. Our generation is regrettably marked by arrogance and that is displeasing to the Lord. Arrogance is one of the sins He hates yet we embrace it openly. We refuse to yield to correction because, “we don’t feel convicted about what we are receiving correction for” is the usual response. We do not tremble at the scriptures brought to us when we are in sin and we proceed to brazenly flaunt our disobedience, entrenching the sin of arrogance. We need to repent. We will never stumble upon walking in integrity, it is an intentional and deliberate action we must choose to pursue.
Though the path of integrity is fraught with challenges, it is immensely rewarding. It is taking responsibility for our actions.The Word says a prudent man foresees evil and hides himself, but the simple pass on and are punished(Prov 22:3). People mistake integrity for pride or being overzealous however, it is neither.People will even go to the extent of shaming us for walking in integrity however, we must resist the urge to lower the standard to please man. Walking in integrity is a deliberate intention. To illustrate, Dan1:8 states
But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s delicacies, nor with the wine which he drank; therefore he requested of the chief of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself.
There is however a nuance between integrity and people pleasing that we should be cognizant of. Integrity looks like having knowledge of the truth and simultaneously proceeding to circumvent situations that could besmirch our character.Consider a minister who is married, who, out of courtesy, provides a female congregant with transportation but requests she sit in the rear seat to avoid any appearance of impropriety. I am reminded of 1Thess 5:22 which states; abstain from the appearance of evil.
If it appears to be evil in the sight of man however, we know it is innocent,we are still required to avoid it.Though some may deem this unnecessary, it is a hallmark of wisdom. Such decisions safeguard both the sanctity of marriage and one’s reputation. This is not people-pleasing;rather, it is the honoring of an Audience of One, our Lord. People may say taking such great lengths is absolutely unnecessary and inconsequential however, it is wisdom in action. Is this people pleasing?unequivocally not. People are not in our hearts and are not privy to our intentions and what seemed like a kind gesture can swiftly be misconstrued into something evil.
Integrity initially honors God, then it subsequently shields you. He who walks in his uprightness fears the Lord, but he who is perverse in his ways despises him (Prov 14:2). Nobody ever regretted walking in integrity yet many have regretted walking carelessly.Integrity singles and distinguishes you out from the crowd. Many become perplexed as to why you don’t join in when they do what the Lord finds offensive and distasteful. They may even be inclined to say we are acting “holier than thou” or superior to them. They may feel that we are turning living into an arduous task . However, integrity reveals the fact that it is actually possible to live a God honoring life. People are accustomed to acquiescing to the demands of the flesh so much so that they think certain things are out of their realm of possibility. When we walk in integrity, it inspires them and they aspire to have what we have. Integrity is a treasure and should be seen as such, not a burden. We walk in integrity because we want to honor the Lord and be pleasing to Him since He is so holy, however, it should be noted that we don’t do it to earn His love. We are already loved and accepted in the Beloved
Benefits of walking in integrity
- It honors the Lord
- It aids us in walking in righteousness which positions us to have “all things added unto us”( Matt 6:33)
- Integrity helps us to be prudent and take precaution against possible pitfalls
- It serves as a defense against rumors and the perversion of one’s actions.
- It prevents unnecessary strife in marriage by removing grounds for suspicion.
- It protects the soul from the shame and guilt inherent in sinful conduct
- It aids us in walking in the high calling of the Lord. We are told to work out our salvation in fear and trembling, meaning in fearing the Lord, which is profound respect for Him and hating what He hates while loving what He loves
- It aids us in proceeding to walk in the light
- It aids us in being blameless in the sight of people, thus, promotes a sense of being highly esteemed by others
- People find us to be trustworthy
- It is a guide; The integrity of the upright will guide them, but the perversity of the unfaithful will destroy them ( Prov 11:3)
Disadvantages of not walking in integrity
- A lack of integrity leads to profound remorse and the difficulty of self-forgiveness.
- We can easily fall into self condemnation over our past actions
- It gives a foothold to the enemy
- Loss of trust from people
- We will inevitably reap what we sow. We are sowing bad seed that we will reap
- It besmirches our character and although God forgives and forgets,people do not. They doubt our conversion and proceed to associate us with our past
In conclusion
We do not possess the wherewithal to walk in integrity from our own reserve. We must place our trust in the Lord so that we can be enabled to do so. We may fall, but He will lift us up and fortify us to proceed on this journey.