We thank God for blessing every day of October and leading us to the last Sunday of the glorious month. Today, we shall examine the character of integrity and how to grow or develop it.
Integrity is a value that every Christian must have. It is a measure of who you are. Integrity separates a Christian from others, and that is what endears people to him. It is one parameter that everyone uses to measure our Christianity, thereby placing a high demand and expectations on us.
What is Integrity?
Matthew 5:17: “But let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No.’ For whatever is more than these is from the evil one”. Jesus said to let your “Yes” be “Yes” and your “No” be “No” so that there would be integrity in your word and the commitments you make. This implies that you must be truthful and people who stand by what you say.
Therefore, integrity means honoring your word. It means being honest, trustworthy, and not being crooked in your ways with people.
Where and when should a Christian show Integrity?
Integrity marks every human being out in the comity of men. As a Christian, integrity is even more expected of you in all dealings: what you say, do, claim, present; in your businesses, at workplaces, in transactions, relationships, and even in everyday activities. It must be exhibited at all times and in all places.
If a Christian lies or falsifies in any way, he has undermined Christianity in some way. If the Christian is found wanting in character at a place of work, he has worked against the gospel and interest of the faith, as no one would trust or believe other Christians in that workplace. In fact, your co-workers and management will not have regard for your faith, because you have presented yourself as belonging to a faith of dishonest people.
Integrity was the reason Walmart as a group grew to become one of the biggest companies in the world. Sam Walton was a man of honor who engaged people and clients with honesty, taking orders and making deliveries without any shortcuts or acts of dishonesty. The people found him faithful, truthful, and honest, which became the foundations and pillars of his company.
Christian integrity is one of the pillars of our faith. It was part of the central message of Jesus Christ. His life epitomized integrity, as he never contradicted Himself in words and deeds. Everything He said during His time on earth that would happen came to pass, and things He said would happen two thousand years ago, are still manifesting. Christian integrity is therefore incontrovertible. It is your identity card by which you are recognized.
The Dynamics in Christendom
Prior to this age, integrity was a lifestyle. There was no serious problem with it. Men and women in Christ considered integrity as a way of life. In the southeastern United States for instance, which was then regarded as the Christian belt, men and women of faith made Christianity the benchmark of human integrity. There were Oral Roberts, Kenneth Hagins, Billy Graham, and so forth. They were men of great Christian integrity.
However, things are changing and today, men and women in the faith are showing less integrity in their ways. They lie, make empty promises, say Yes when they mean No, cheat or inflate prices, budgets, or contracts, and do all sorts, just like sinners do. You cannot trust people even in the House of God anymore, because of the creeping culture of dishonesty that has eaten deeply into the society and extended to the church. Deception and fake promises are now a norm and considered to be being diplomatic. Many people caught or indicted today for corruption, stealing, smuggling, illicit trade, drug peddling, money laundering, among other vices, are sadly, church people, including even church leaders.
Why Your Case must be Different
In Matthew 5:13-14, Jesus charges His followers: “Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savor, wherewith shall it be salted? It is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men. Ye are the light of the world”.
As Christians, you must dare to be different. Much is expected of you. By being the light of the world, Jesus urges us to be shining examples of all the great human virtues, beginning with integrity. You are to lead by example and as such, make society brighter and better. If the reverse is the case and you do not lead by good examples, you have become worthless. As the salt of the world, our moral uprightness and integrity will make society saner, safer, and livable.
We are tasked with the responsibility to take the light to the world, to go and be the light. You are not to be part of the darkness nor concur with it. In doing business with people, you are not to do it the way others do it. Your path must be just and your acts must inspire others. Integrity must follow you to your business places, shops, offices, classrooms, and relationships.
There is no particular place where integrity has to wait or be placed on hold. Integrity is the Christian’s identity card that must be worn at all times. If you have an agreement, honor it. To gain promotion or favor at work, you must not lie. You must lead a life that breaks any rule of integrity as in the scriptures because of worldly gains. In marriage, do not break your marital vows and break the rule of integrity. As Christians, we are not permitted to keep away any secrets, plans, or movements from our spouses. The moment we do, we show a lack of Christian integrity and are thus not worthy to be called children of God. As believers, you should not just make a difference; you must be “the difference”.
How to Build or Develop Integrity
The word of God is the best way to build or develop integrity. The scriptures have solutions to all human issues and problems. The Bible teaches us to be better human beings. You can build Christian integrity by studying the relevant scriptures and following the precepts of God.
In addition to reading the word of God, integrity can be built by prayers. There is nothing prayers cannot make happen. God hears all your prayers (Psalm 139:4, 1 John 5:14–15, 1 Peter 3:12) and with God, all things are possible (Matthew 19:26).
Friends, integrity should be in your DNA. Just as every child is expected to carry the DNA of his or her father, every child of God must carry the integrity DNA. God expects us to be straightforward. Even fellow men cherish people who do not cut corners.
We have learned from stories of great men of faith of the past and Sam Walton and his Walmart, that integrity catapults people to the very top. Integrity will also preserve us (Proverbs 11:3). Integrity is like righteousness, it exalts and makes life secure for the saints (Proverbs 10:9). Lack of integrity can attract consternation (Proverbs 20:23). I pray for the grace to make you lead a life of Christian integrity, in Jesus’ precious name!
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- Pastor Sam Adelusimo is the Resident Pastor of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Chapel of Praise Parish, Northwest Arkansas, United States of America
