Integrity is the quality of being honest and having strong moral principles that refuse to change. It implies trustworthiness and incorruptibility to a degree that one takes responsibility even when no one is watching. Integrity biblically is a moral uprightness, honesty and steadfast commitment to righteousness that is rooted in obedience to divine principles and dedication to living a life that is aligned with the character of Jesus Christ. The Bible says, “I know also, my God, that You test the heart and have pleasure in uprightness...” (1 Chron.29:17a) It gives God pleasure when one’s heart, word and action is aligned with the divine principle.

Integrity is the hallmark of Christian life because it is a way of life and conduct that align with the character of Jesus Christ. An upright and blameless life that is naturally revealed through one’s consistent behaviour. A way of life that when put into action speaks for one rather than one trying to convince others. Jospeh demonstrated integrity in the face of Potiphar’s wife pressure on him to lie with her. (Gen.39:8-9) His refusal to satisfy the request of Potiphar’s wife distinguishes his character and expresses his integrity. Integrity is not what one advertises, it advertises someone.

Integrity includes keeping one’s word and not making empty commitment that may not be kept. Jesus says, “But let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes’, and your ‘No, ‘No.’ (Matt.5:37a) Integrity is fulfilling one’s promise no matter how long the space of time it waits. King David kept his promise made to Jonathan his friend and son of King Saul by showing kindness to Mephibosheth, Jonathans’s son despite the long wait and the fact that his friend Jonathan had died. (2 Sam.9:1-7) Someone who makes an empty commitment is a lying lip who lacks integrity. The Bible warns that lying lips are an abomination to the Lord. (Prov.12:22)

Integrity is a display of self-control which is one of the fruits of the Holy Spirit. (Gal.5:23) Self-control is the ability to manage one’s emotions, desires and action upon which personal integrity is built. It is the internal power that acts as catalyst for integrity. It enables one to think before reacting in a manner that allows one to choose what is right instead of what is easy. Someone that lacks self-control lack moral code; someone that lack moral code cannot be trusted because he can do anything bad, so he cannot be trusted because he lacked integrity.

Integrity as hallmark of Christian life goes beyond being honest and having strong moral principles. It is about being upright, blameless, righteous and living a Christ-like life. One becomes righteous as a result of imputed righteousness of Jesus Christ occasions by one’s faith in Jesus. Living Christ-like life is letting one’s action, public words, and inner thought align with the character of Jesus Christ, living the gospel which one preaches and accepting one’s mistake when one commits an occasional sin by seeking for forgiveness immediately.

Integrity becomes one’s hallmark when one’s heart, word and action is aligned with the divine principle. When integrity becomes one’s hallmark, he begins to enjoy the goodness of God such as God’s protection because he is guided, and his way is directed so much that he is free from trouble. The Bible says the integrity of those that have it will guide them, it will direct their way, and they will be delivered from trouble. (Prov.11:3,5, 8)

Dear brethren, now is the time to start practicing integrity if you have not been doing so. The Bible says, “He who practices righteousness is righteous, just as He is righteous. (1 John.3:7b) In the same manner, integrity becomes your hallmark when you practice the way of life that is morally upright and aligns with the character of Jesus Christ.

Evangelism Jesus is the perfect example of a man of integrity. Every believer who is His disciples should emulate Him.

Rev. Shobayo Kayode The Gospel Study Centre