Monday, 29th January 2024
Andrews Ampomah
TOPIC: INTEGRITY
THEME SCRIPTURE: “Far be it from me to say that you are right; till I die I will not put away my integrity from me.” – Job 27:5
PREPARATORY QUESTIONS:
- What is integrity?
- Will you pass an integrity test in your marriage and all other human relationships?
One of the most urgent needs of our world today is people of integrity. Regrettably, our world is witnessing a sharp decline in people of integrity, and this has had an immense impact on our communities, the professional workspace, the marketplace, the political environment, and notably the church. Many are quick to make promises without fulfilling them. Our first reflexive inclination towards our friends, colleagues, and loved ones is to lie and deceive them. We evade taxes and falsify documents to cheat the system and extort people. We misuse office hours to do our private stuff. We use the office printer and stationery to print for personal use. We bribe to have our way with what we want at the slightest opportunity. Infidelity among couples is rampant now, and alarmingly, it has almost become the norm. Moreover, we act hypocritically; we live to deceive not only others but ourselves as well. The list is endless, and unfortunately, Christians are also among the many who lack integrity within our countries, even to the extent of being at the forefront of some of these practices.
The story of Job is an example of a man who endured afflictions while steadfastly maintaining his integrity.
His friends, who came to comfort him, turned around to accuse him of sinning against God, the reason for his afflictions. He endured pressure from his own wife to forego his integrity and curse God. In providing a defense for his life of integrity, he acknowledged the misfortunes that came his way as God’s justice and unequivocally affirmed that “…my lips will not speak falsehood, and my tongue will not utter deceit” (Job 27:4). This is a man God testified about as being blameless, an upright man, a man who fears God and turns away from evil (Job 1:8). It is striking that Job still held on to this testimony after all the difficult times he went through and even in the face of death: “…till I die, I will not put away my integrity from me” (Job 27:5). This demonstrates his unwavering convictions and his resolve to hold on to his integrity regardless of what comes his way.
Beloved in Christ, the root meaning of integrity (Latin: integritas) means wholeness, entireness, and completeness. Thus, integrity defines the character of a person.
God desires that His children be complete in living the Christian life in the world.
It is important to note that there are no benefits to avoiding the resolute life of integrity. Resolve to never resort to excuses to justify your actions and life choices or to compromise your integrity when dealing with others. The world everywhere is tough, and this presents an opportunity for Christians to safeguard their integrity and avoid any situation that casts a slur on it.
Be encouraged, brethren, to model integrity in all your human interactions.
Discipline yourself and affirm with Job: “I hold fast my righteousness and will not let it go.” Defy any hardship and threat to your life to be a person of integrity; be a shining example in our world. God bless you as you hold on to your integrity. Hallelujah!
FURTHER READING – Psalm 15
Call to Salvation: Today is your day if you have not received salvation by turning over your life to Jesus Christ. Click here to do so
QUESTIONS TO HELP YOU MEDITATE ON THE WORD:
- How do you consciously, on a daily basis, weave integrity into all your human interactions at home, work, and the church, etc?
CONFESSION
Heavenly Father, by your Holy Spirit, I have what it takes to live a life of integrity. Consciously, I am ensuring that integrity is at the forefront of all I do, from now onwards, in Christ Jesus, Amen.
1-Year Bible Reading Plan
Genesis 48; Genesis 49; Genesis 50; Psalms 51; Psalm 52; Romans 5; Romans 6
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