Integrity

"Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful (Luke 6:36).
“… but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing (1 Peter 3:9b).

Think about the people you admire. What are the traits that cause you to respect them? More than likely, it’s things that have to do with integrity. Integrity is one of those intangible concepts that’s hard to explain, especially since this one includes a lot of different facets. Accountability, authenticity, being ethical, character, consistency, contentment, fairness, generosity, godliness, honesty, humility, moral strength, respecting others, responsibility, trustworthiness, etc. Really, most good traits can fall under the heading of integrity.

“For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil (1 Peter 3:12). 

We can’t be close to God if we have unrepented sin in our lives. It separates us from God. But when we repent, God is quick to forgive and restore us. Having a close, personal relationship with God is one of faith’s great blessings. As we get to know and love Him, we understand His Word and trust Him too much to fear. In that state, who can really harm us? No matter what happens, we feel safe in God’s arms, knowing that even if we die, we will be in His presence. With such an attitude, we are a strong testimony for God, showing non-believers the hope and strength that is within us because of the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. When we submit to the will of God, our consciences are clear. We will study His Word, wanting to know more about Him and to experience more of Him. This also makes us good witnesses.

These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world (John 16:33).

We know that in this world, there are going to be trials and troubles. It’s part of living in a fallen world. But even in the midst of problems, we can have peace, because true peace doesn’t come from easy situations; it comes from God. Peter experienced both suffering and peace. In one incident, he suffered great mental anguish after he walked away from his integrity, put his eyes on the circumstances again, and denied Christ after He was arrested. Matthew 26:75 tells us Peter went out and wept bitterly. Yet he went on to become one of the steadfast, faithful leaders of the early church. He learned these lessons of remaining true and having integrity the hard way. Peter was an overcomer. In Christ, we can be overcomers, too, and we can begin by relying on the Holy Spirit and choosing to live as a person of integrity.

__________________________