Read Psalm 25:21
Talk about integrity: Integrity matters to God. Apparently integrity will protect you. We must understand the fullness of it then.
Define Integrity (online dictionary): 1) adherence to moral and ethical principles, soundness of moral character; honesty 2) the state of being whole, entire, or undiminished
Define Integrity (Bible Dictionary): see simplicity or sincerity (synonyms)
Define Simplicity (Bible Dictionary): without self-seeking, selfless
Read Romans 12:8….we are told to be selfless: encourage, give, lead, show mercy and do it cheerfully…so do it!
Define Sincerity (Bible Dictionary): acting or speaking without hypocrisy.
Define Integrity (Simple Definition): doing good things when no one is looking
Define Integrity (Another Definition): Being honest with God, ourselves and others
Talk about what integrity means: Basically, Integrity means to think and do what is right at all times, no matter what the potential consequences may be (ex. persecution, harm in our reputation, backlash). When you have integrity, you are willing to live by your beliefs and standards when no one is watching. We need to choose to live so that our thoughts and behaviors are always in harmony with the gospel.
Ask about your own actions: What do you do when no one is watching? Do you live by your morals everywhere you go? Do you ‘seem’ to live to follow your morals at school and home?
Read Proverbs 19:1….What does it mean to you?
Ask about how we can affect others: How can our example of honesty and integrity affect others? How can our example affect others if we are not honest?
Talk about honesty: To have integrity, you need to be honest. Are you willing to be honest in every relationship and everything you do?
Challenge: I challenge you to be consistent with everyone, being honest and express your integrity to them. Remind yourself to be this way all of the time. Here is an acronym: ‘HPI”. This is a reminder to me to stay honest, stay pure and have integrity.
Read Job 2:3-10…This is a man who maintained integrity even though he was basically put through Hell on Earth.
Ask about turning to God: If God let Satan do anything to you to negatively affect your life on Earth to test your faith and integrity, would you turn away from God?
Talk about life: Life will be challenging. God wants us to have Job’s mentality through it all, though.
Read Job 27:5…Stay strong. Don’t deny your integrity. Stay faithful.
References:
Bible Study Tools. (2017). Retrieved from http://www.biblestudytools.com/
NIV Life Application Study Bible. (2011). Grand Rapids, Michigan: Zondervan.
The Bible Knowledge Commentary: New Testament. (2004). Colorado Springs, Colorado: International Bible Society.
The Bible Knowledge Commentary: Old Testament. (2004). Colorado Springs, Colorado: International Bible Society.
Unger, M. F. (1976) Unger’s bible disctionary. Chicago, IL: The Moody Bible Institute of Chicago.