
Integrity is a virtue that is in demand!
Merriam -Websters Dictionary gives us a couple of definitions for the term “integrity”.
1. : the quality of being honest and having strong moral principles; moral uprightness: "he/she is known to be a man/woman of integrity"
2. : a firm adherence to a code of especially moral or artistic values: incorruptibility.
Looking at these two definitions I would have to honestly say such a virtue is significantly lacking in our 21st Century American society. I am not saying it does not exist, what I am conveying is the fact that conducting ourselves, as people who highly value the ideal of integrity, has slipped greatly in our country.
How many of you remember the time, when a person could make an agreement with a simple handshake? A man’s/woman’s word was worth gold because they realized their reputation and credibility were on the line, and they were truly concerned about being viewed by others as an honest person.
In today’s day and age, we see so much corruption, dishonesty, lying, treachery, deceitfulness, scamming, and disloyalty going on in our nation. Who do you believe? What is truth and what is falsehood? Is it all a matter of relevance which is dependent upon each person’s belief system or opinion? Does integrity have true worth in a society that may very well be driven by personal preference, self-proclaimed morality, or no morality?
God’s Word gives us some positive insight concerning the issue of integrity. In Proverbs 11:3 the author writes, “The integrity of the upright guides them, but the crookedness of the treacherous destroys them”. We also hear these words of wisdom from the Lord, offered by the writer, “Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but he who makes his ways crooked will be found out”. Proverbs 10:9
Our great God is one who exemplifies integrity to perfection! He is a person of His word/Word. What He says He means. And whatever He promises is carried out in full measure. There is no, and will never be, any dishonesty, or deceit, in Him. As God’s children, you and I are called to be holy as He is holy, and part of that holiness is to be people of integrity. We are witnesses, not just for ourselves, but more importantly for Jesus. As people see us, so also may they see Christ in us.
Dear Lord, send Your Holy Spirit, into our hearts, so we might be able to withstand the temptations to lie, deceive, or join in corruption, as the devil, the world, or our own sinful flesh may lead us to do, amen! Pastor McCarty