Dictionary publishers add new words to every new edition. I don’t know if they remove words that are no longer in use. If they do, soon, the word integrity will disappear. It is a word that is not used that much anymore. And with certain people, it is not practiced. Google defines the word “as the quality of being honest and having strong moral principles, moral uprightness.”
It seems fewer and fewer people are honest and moral in their manner of living. Lying is normal. Immorality is practiced. Loyalty with integrity, what’s that?
Maybe it’s the fault of the older generation saying they didn’t instill integrity in their children. Some blame Hollywood. Others place the blame on job advancement. Wherever the responsibility belongs, honesty is undoubtedly disappearing. That’s a shame. Integrity is the moral foundation of any society. Morality and truthfulness, the ingredients of integrity are the basis of rewards in heaven.
So, what does your Bible say about the subject of integrity? Here are a few thoughts on the subject.
Moses selected judges for the nation of Israel that were, “able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness.” (Exodus 18::21 NKJV)
In Samuel’s farewell address (I Samuel 12:2-4 ESV) to Israel, he said, I am old and gray … who’s ox have I taken? Or whose donkey have I taken? Or whom have I defrauded? Whom have I oppressed? Or from whose hand have I taken a bribe to blind my eyes with it? … They (Israel) said, “you have not defrauded us or oppressed us or taken anything from any man’s hand.”
And the New Testament, the book of Romans states, do not repay anyone evil for evil. Give careful thought to do what is honorable in everyone’s eyes. (12:17 CSB)
The Apostle Paul admonished us,” but as for you, brethren, do not grow weary in doing good.” (I Thessalonians 3:13 NASB)
The above verses relate that our faith is a faith of truth. That is integrity.
Integrity rests on our trust in the Lord Jesus, whose words remind believers that unbelievers are watching us. They will come to us in a time of their trouble. When worldly things fail, unbelievers may come to you because they know that you belong to Him, who is the Truth. Can you practice the truth?
Truth is the foundation of true integrity.
