Integrity

Integrity (1 Kings 22:15-23, 26-28) A Definition To have integrity is to courageously hold to what is right and true without compromise, to stand undivided, consistent, immovable. (see 1 Thess. 2:2) People are often “divided” in many ways. A common division is that between what we know to be right and what we, in fact, do. (see James 1:22, & 4:17) Examples of a Lack of Integrity So fearful were the ancient Chinese of their enemies on the north that they built the Great Wall of China, one of the 7 wonders of the ancient world. It was so high they knew no one could climb over it, & so thick that nothing could break it down. Then they settled back to enjoy their security. But during the first 100 years of the wall’s existence, China was invaded 3 times. Not once did the enemy break down the wall or climb over its top. Each time they bribed a gatekeeper & marched right through the gates. According to the historians, the Chinese were so busy relying upon the walls of stone that they forgot to teach integrity to their children. In the middle of an interview for acceptance to a prestigious Ivy League school back east, the interviewer asked his “sure of himself” candidate, “If no one would ever find out, and no one got hurt, would you lie for $1M?” The young man thought for a moment and said, “If no one found out, and no one was hurt? Sure, I think I would!” The interviewer then asked, “Would you lie for a dime?” The young man shot back, “No way, what kind of man do you think I am?” The interviewer responded, “I have already determined that, I am just trying to determine your price.” Examples of Maintaining Integrity Cleveland Stroud had coached the Blue Collar Bulldogs for 18 years before his basketball team made it to the championship. Stroud recalls that “it was a perfect night” when they won. “A night you dream of”. He was carried around the gym on the shoulders of his triumphant players and their proud parents. But the excitement was short lived. Two months after the championship, during a routine grade check, Stroud discovered that one player was academically ineligible. The player in question had only played 45 seconds in the regional qualifying tournament. Stroud says, “I thought it was all ruined. I went through a phase where I was really depressed.” He struggled with what to do next. Yet, his commitment to integrity led him to the right decision. “Winning is the most important thing for any coach,” he said. “But your principals have to be higher that your goals.” He reported the error to the league and the Bulldogs forfeited their trophy. When the team lamented their loss in the locker room, he told them, “You’ve got to do what is honest, what is right, and what the rules say. People forget the scores of basketball games, but they don’t ever forget what your made of.” Micaiah understood the consequences of giving Ahab God’s true prophecy. He faced ridicule, physical abuse, imprisonment and eventually execution. Yet he maintained his integrity and told what God had revealed to him.

The Bible gives us powerful examples of men of integrity: Joseph (Gen. 39:1-20)

David (Ps. 78:70-72, 1 Kings 9:4-5) Peter and John...(Acts 4:18) Peter and the Apostles... (Acts 5:28-32) Stephen... (Acts 7:54-60) Samuel, the Prophet... (1 Sam. 12:3-4) An Unknown Man... (2 Sam. 18:10-13) A Man of God... (I Kings 13: 7-9) The Prophet Daniel... (Dan. 6: 1-5 &10) Shadrach, Meshack and Abed-nego... (Dan. 3:12-25) Job... (Job 1:22; 2:10 and James 1:12) Other Scriptures on Integrity I know, my God, that you test the heart and are pleased with integrity. (1 Chron. 29:17) The man of integrity walks securely, but he who takes crooked paths will be found out. (Prov. 10:9) The integrity of the upright guides them, but the unfaithful are destroyed by their duplicity. (Prov. 11:3) Righteousness guards the man of integrity, but wickedness overthrows the sinner. (Prov. 13:6) He (God) stores up sound wisdom for the upright; He is a shield to those who walk in integrity. (Prov 2:7) But as for me, I will walk in my integrity. (Ps. 26:11) Some Blessings of Integrity 1. Integrity draws people to you because they believe they can trust you 2. Integrity brings peace (i.e. a clear conscience) Mark the perfect man (Hebrew Word: Tam = Man of Integrity), and behold the upright: for the end of that man is peace.(Ps. 37:37) 3. Integrity enables you to leave a good name. President Harry Truman used to say: "Fame is a vapor, popularity an accident, riches take wings, those who cheer today may curse tomorrow, only one thing endures -- character." Charles Spurgeon wrote, "A good character is the best tombstone. Those who loved you, and were helped by you, will remember you when forget-me-nots are withered. Carve your name on hearts, and not on marble." Eccl.7:1 says, "A good name is better than precious ointment." Some Questions to Consider What tends to make us lose our integrity? (peer pressure (1 Kings 22:13), other fears, etc.) What helps us to maintain it? (consciousness of our example/witness (Prov. 20:7), truth faith that God is real and alive (1 Kings 22:14), the aid of God’s Holy Spirit) Do we sometimes act like Jehosaphat and commit to something and then inquire of God as to whether or not its consistent with His will? (1 Kings 22:7)