“The godly walk with integrity; blessed are their children who follow them.” Proverbs 20:7 NLT
Integrity matters and has a generational impact. When I first started this ministry I spoke of integrity, it seems timely to borrow some elements from that 2019 devotion.
What is integrity?
“Integrity is doing the right thing, even when no one is watching.” – C. S. Lewis
Lewis said that integrity is about “doing the right thing“. In a sense we introduce pollution to our lives when we do the wrong thing and sacrifice our integrity. I had a professor who expanded on Lewis’s definition for practical application to help us to know what is the right thing to do. He said that integrity was:
Knowing the right thing to do – (pressing in to know the Truth through prayer and His Word)
Doing it – (being obedient to know what is right even if it is hard)
Boldly proclaiming it – (telling others to be accountable and transparent)
The test helps us sort out our own rationalization. For example, this time of year someone might say, “I don’t think it is “right” to pay taxes”. Followed by “I am not going to pay taxes.” Passes two questions in the test, but to boldly proclaim: “I don’t pay taxes” might be another matter.
The ingredient to live meaningful lives in the blessed place? Integrity. The best path to integrity and doing the right thing is abiding with Christ. It is not only a path it is protection. Jesus said:
“As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love. These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.” John 15:9-11 ESV
Praying for you this week that your joy may be full as you abide with Christ, walk in integrity and have a generational impact.
