S. Michael Houdmann Supporter Got Questions Ministries

The dictionary defines integrity as "a firm adherence to a code of especially moral or artistic values, or incorruptibility; incapable of being bribed or morally corrupted." In the Bible, the Hebre...

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July 01 2013 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

Jack Gutknecht Supporter Arizona Bible College graduate and Dallas Seminary graduate

In John 18, a cohort of 600 armed soldiers comes to arrest Jesus and have their own traumatic encounter with holiness:

Jesus, knowing all that was going to happen to him, went out and asked them, 

“Who is it you want?”

“Jesus of Nazareth,” they replied.

“I am he,” Jesus said. (And Judas the traitor was standing there with them.) When Jesus said, “I am he,” they drew back and fell to the ground.

John 18:4-6

Six hundred soldiers fall to the ground, and the word that is used implies that they were sort of held there, pinned to the ground. There are many speculations as to what exactly happened, but it appears as if the veil of his flesh lifted, and that pre-incarnate glory that he had before the foundation of the world was opened up for a microsecond. It was sufficient to overwhelm them. R. Kent Hughes, in his commentary, Behold the Man suggests:

Jesus’ answer was one of his last uses of the power by which he calmed the seas, stilled the winds, and healed the sick. The cohort didn’t arrest Jesus – he arrested them. His words were a gracious warning that they were in over their heads.

They must have known something wasn’t quite right. Six hundred armed men are now more afraid than the one they came looking for.

When we live our entire lives before the face of God (corem deo) and practice a constant abiding in his presence, we realize that being people who do not manifest integrity is inconsistent with the dignity and destiny we’ve been called to. We have been called to live on a higher plane than that, to “live a life worthy of the calling [we] have received” (Ephesians 4:1), because, now, Christ is in us. He wants to live his life through us (Galatians 2:20); we are not only his representatives (2 Corinthians 5:20), as members of his church we are, in some mysterious way, his body (Ephesians 1:23; Colossians 1:24).

Now, that’s impossible unless he dwells in us, but therein lies the solution. In fact, this is the genius of the Christian life. Christianity is not a religion; it’s a relationship. Christianity is not about rules and regulations. Instead, it is the presence and power of a person who indwells us and promises to never leave us or forsake us (Hebrews 13:5).

As fallen men and women, we realize how disintegrated we are when we come face to face with God’s perfect integration. And, like Isaiah, it forces us to recognize our deep need for personal reconstruction. Isaiah realized the depth of his own sin in the process of catching a glimpse of God’s perfect holiness, and he acknowledged those areas in which he had turned from his commitments as a priest and a prophet. But his commitment and his life as a faithful prophet demonstrate for us the possibility of framing a life of integrity with God’s help.

The Process of Integration

It’s self-evident that a hypocrite is unqualified to guide others toward attaining higher character. No one respects a person who talks a good game but fails to play by the rules. What a leader does will have a greater impact on those he or she wishes to lead than what a leader says. A person may forget 90 percent of what a leader says, but he or she will never forget how the leader lives. This is why Paul tells Timothy:

Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress. Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.

1 Timothy 4:15-16

In this life, we never attain perfection. But there should be progress toward the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. We will never attain it this side of eternity, but there should be visible progress, evident to others. Notice the two things Paul exhorts Timothy to watch: your life and your doctrine. In other words, give careful attention to your behavior and your belief. Make sure they match. Constantly examine yourself to see whether or not your walk matches your talk.

January 01 2019 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

Jeffrey Johnson Supporter

What does the Bible say about integrity?

The Bible says that integrity is a moral soundness and uprightness that guides individuals, protects them, and brings security and favour from God. It involves living honestly, being faithful to commitments, speaking truthfully, and acting with fairness, even when it is personally costly. The Bible emphasises that a life of integrity is a key part of a faithful relationship with God and that it will be rewarded. 

Key aspects of integrity in the Bible:

1: Moral guidance and security: Integrity acts as a moral compass, guiding people away from destruction and providing a sense of security. Proverbs 11:3 states, "The integrity of the upright guides them; but the crookedness of the unfaithful destroys them".

2: Honesty and truthfulness: This involves avoiding falsehood and speaking the truth, both in word and deed. Ephesians 4:25 says, "Therefore, each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbour".

3: Faithfulness and commitment: Integrity means being true to your word and keeping your promises, even when it is difficult. Psalm 15:1 says, "He who keeps his oath even when it hurts" lives with integrity.

4: Fairness and righteousness: It includes treating others with fairness and justice, which is considered a delight to the Lord.

Wholeness and consistency: Integrity is a life of moral consistency that aligns with God's commands and truth.

5: Protection and reward: A person of integrity can be protected and will be rewarded for their faithfulness. Job 12 serves as an example of someone who maintained his integrity through suffering and was rewarded by God. 

Some examples from the Bible:

1: Job: He maintained his integrity through immense suffering and loss.

2: Joseph: He remained faithful to God despite being betrayed and falsely accused.

3: Daniel: He was steadfast in his faith and prayer life, even when facing persecution. 

Conclusion:

The Hebrew terms relating to integrity (tom, tum·mahʹ, tam, ta·mimʹ) have the root meaning of that which is "complete" or "whole." (Compare Le 25:30; Jos 10:13; Pr 1:12.) Ta·mimʹ is used several times to refer to physical completeness, or soundness, and freedom from impairment, for example, regarding sacrificial animals. (Ex 12:5; 29:1; Le 3:6) But more frequently, these terms describe moral soundness or blamelessness.

When applied to God, ta·mimʹ may correctly be translated "perfect," as in describing God's activity and works, his way, knowledge, and law. (De 32:4; Job 36:4; 37:16; Ps 18:30; 19:7) All these divine qualities and expressions manifest such unmatchable completeness and fullness, are so sound and free from defect or fault, that they clearly identify their Source as the one true God.​—Ro 1:20.

What does integrity keeping include in the case of imperfect humans?

Since all men are imperfect and unable to measure up perfectly to God's standards, it is evident that their integrity does not mean perfection of action or of speech. Instead, the Scriptures show it means wholeness or completeness of heart devotion. David, through weakness, committed several serious wrongs, but he, nevertheless, 'walked with integrity of heart' (1Ki 9:4), for he accepted reproof and corrected his way. He thereby proved that his heart still retained genuine love for God. (Ps 26:1-3, 6, 8, 11) 

Perseverance in a God-given commission in the face of opposition, and endurance of privations, persecution, and suffering for adhering to a course of godly devotion, also marked Paul and other early Christians as persons of integrity.​—Ac 5:27-41; 2Co 11:23-27.

And, Jesus Christ is presented as the ultimate model of perfect integrity, and believers are encouraged to follow His example through the Holy Spirit.

5 days ago • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report