Proverbs 2:7. [God] stores up sound wisdom for the upright; he is a shield to those who walk in integrity,
If wisdom is skill in navigating through the complexities of life, then integrity must be one of those skills. If wisdom begins with the fear of the Lord, then integrity must begin there too.
How’s your integrity holding up?
The word integrity means to be full or complete. It can also mean to be innocent. Together these two definitions imply that we often begin with integrity but then potentially lose it over time through seasons of stress. We start the new job in integrity, fully and innocently doing all we are asked to do. But then, as the pressure mounts we begin to cut corners, take shortcuts, look the other way on things. “Quiet quitting” kicks in as we see others not giving their all.
We started so well, but over time integrity was lost.
Or maybe it’s your marriage. Everyone begins so well in these things don’t they? The love you feel for one another is so pure, innocent and complete, until it isn’t. What about friendships? Ministry? Parenting? Have you maintained integrity in these things? Probably not.
Integrity means not only doing what you are supposed to do, but also doing what you have said you will do, and doing it completely. Having integrity means you keep your promises and always give your best at everything you do. It means you can be counted on.
But integrity isn’t just about effort, it’s also about attitude. Again, there must be a fear of God behind our integrity, not a fear of man. Consider how Paul described doing our work with integrity for the glory of Christ:
Colossians 3:23-24. 23Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, 24knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.
Maybe you do everything and more. Maybe you do it all to your fullest ability. Maybe you keep your promises. Praise God. But do you do these things for God’s sake, or for your own? Do you work hard so that you will look good, or because you trust God? Do you give your best to avoid trouble, guilt and shame, or because your best honors Christ? Do you work as a “man-pleaser” or do you do your work as unto the Lord Jesus?
Our union with Christ has placed his integrity, his fullness and innocence, into our hearts. His deep love for us makes it so that we can have integrity, not from pride or from trying to look good to others, but from the power of that love coursing through us. When you know that you are loved unconditionally, you can live a life of integrity. If you fall short, God still loves you and has forgiven you. If you succeed at doing what you say, it is because God helped you; he was your shield. Trusting Christ like this is the only way to have integrity both in action and in attitude. The integrity that is stored up for the upright in Christ.
You: Where might you be falling short in your integrity?
You in Christ: Christ is your shield that allows you to live a life of integrity. How does trusting in his shielding love allow you to do your best without fear of failure or pride in success?
Christ in you: How can you begin to restore your integrity today through Christ working in you?
Pray: Father, shield me with your love and mercy so that I can rebuild integrity where needed. Make me like Jesus who lived a good life, not to show off his goodness, but yours. Amen.
To Live is Christ 