Integrity

Righteousness. We use that word often, but what does it mean? This is a rich theological word that describes who God is and what he does. Let’s take time to make sure we understand it.

“Be a light!” That’s what Beth Ann Schaeber said to her boys every day. Before she dropped them off at a friend’s house or their sporting event or when they walked out the door to go to school, “Be a light!” was the last thing they heard. They responded, “Shine bright!” Beth Ann knew that she was sending her kids into a dark world. She knew that they had been called out of darkness into God’s marvelous light to reflect the light of Jesus. The apostle Paul gave us the same challenge.

While there is a real spiritual battle going on in the air that we can’t see, there is a real spiritual battle on the ground that we certainly experience. Scripture reminds us that our primary fight is not against flesh and blood. We battle in a hand-to-hand engagement against our adversary, the devil.

Whether in marriage or parenting, whether in the workplace or in relationships with friends, the believer is committed to a higher standard. People of integrity always keep their word. 

So, deal with your sin. Confess it to God. Confess it to others. Decide to leave your crooked ways and walk securely. If you don’t . . . if you continue along the crooked path . . . sooner or later . . . well . . . you know what’s going to happen . . . and it isn’t going to be pretty!

I am frail and always one stupid step away from destroying my integrity and witness for you. I am thankful for your grace, but, O God, put within me the fear of the consequences you place on sin. Keep me from being destroyed by duplicity.

Father, teach us that integrity is to be applied in every area of our lives. Teach us that the failure to do so is not integrity at all.

But Madoff lost much more than his freedom; he lost his integrity. A man can live without a lot of things...but not that.

It gives God no greater joy than to see that his children are walking in the truth.