In·teg·ri·ty - Moral soundness, an undivided or unbroken completeness.
Unlike the sinking sand of this world's system and ways, Jesus Christ is our solid foundation. We can build our houses upon him and know that it will be safe and secure. As Godly children we must reflect the attributes of our Father. He is the solid rock, nothing moves him. The scriptures give an account to his integrity and determination as he was being tempted by the devil in the wilderness. Although he was tired from forty days and nights of fasting all by himself, he still kept his integrity. We also see the incredible integrity of The Lord as he journeyed to the cross.
Isaiah 53:7
"He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth".
It is easy to uphold your integrity in public. The real testing comes in your private life. It is easy to display your anointing and how approved you are of God in the public eye. But what about behind closed doors? Or maybe in light of peer pressure? Compromise of your Christian identity can most conveniently be sown in these areas of our lives. Joseph went through a private test that lead to public embarrassment when Potiphar's wife propositioned him to commit adultery with her. When he refused she proceeded to lie on him, resulting in his imprisonment. Yet through all this Joseph still maintained his integrity.
Genesis 39:9
"How can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?"
Jacobs answer is powerful and serves as an example for saints everywhere who wish to keep their Christian integrity. He simply loved The Lord and did not want to sin against him. The Lord was his foundation and his strength, how could he forsake the very God who had been keeping him all his life? His integrity was deeply rooted in the Lord.
The reward for integrity
Job received double for his trouble, Joseph was exalted to the second highest position in Pharaoh's kingdom. The Apostle Paul had this great testimony after keeping his integrity.
2 Timothy 4:7-8
"I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day:and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing".
Not only do we give honor and glory to God by living with Christian integrity, but there is great reward in keeping our integrity. Let no one turn you away from this great salvation through compromise. As the scripture says "Stand strong and endure hardness as a good soldier of Jesus Christ." God bless.
Authored by:
Min. John W Jenkins
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