Growing In Grace Integrity: Walking With God 2.

[Angelina]

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Integrity: Walking Before God and People​

Integrity is a foundational virtue in the Christian life, yet it is often misunderstood. Biblically, integrity means wholeness, consistency, and faithfulness before God. A person of integrity is the same inwardly as they are outwardly, in private as well as in public. Scripture consistently teaches that God values integrity because it reflects His own holy and faithful character.
The Hebrew concept most often translated as "integrity," tōm or tōmmah, carries the meaning of "completeness" or "soundness." In the New Testament, the Greek idea of sincerity refers to something that can withstand examination in full light. Integrity, therefore, is living out what one truly believes.

Integrity: Our Walk With God​

Integrity is essential because it governs how believers relate to God, others, and themselves. Proverbs 11:3 states, “The integrity of the upright guides them, but the crookedness of the treacherous destroys them.” Integrity acts as an internal compass, directing decisions even when no external rules are present.
Jesus taught that faithfulness in small matters reveals the condition of the heart: “One who is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much.” Luke 16:10. Integrity is not proven in grand gestures but in consistent obedience over time. Without integrity, our spiritual authority collapses, our personal witness is compromised, and faith becomes hollow.
The apostle Paul understood this well, writing, “For we aim at what is honorable not only in the Lord’s sight but also in the sight of man.” 2 Corinthians 8:21. Biblical integrity always considers both divine accountability and human testimony.

Old Testament Examples:​

Obadiah: Integrity in a Corrupt Environment​

Scripture: 1 Kings 18:3–16

Obadiah served in the household of King Ahab, one of Israel’s most wicked rulers. Despite working within a corrupt system, Scripture describes Obadiah as one who “feared the LORD greatly." 1 Kings 18:3. When Queen Jezebel sought to destroy the prophets of the Lord, Obadiah secretly hid one hundred prophets in caves and provided them with food and water.
Obadiah’s integrity was expressed through quiet obedience rather than public confrontation. He used his position not for personal advancement, but to preserve life and honor God. His faithfulness was unseen by most, yet fully known by God. Integrity here is shown as faithfulness to God while navigating imperfect ruling systems.

The Hebrew Midwives: Integrity That Fears God​

Scripture: Exodus 1:15–21

Shiphrah and Puah, two Hebrew midwives, were commanded by Pharaoh to kill Hebrew male infants at birth. Scripture records their response plainly: “But the midwives feared God and did not do as the king of Egypt commanded them." Exodus 1:17.
These women chose obedience to God over obedience to authority, risking their own lives. Their integrity was rooted in the fear of the Lord rather than fear of consequences. God honored their faithfulness, and “because the midwives feared God, He gave them families." Exodus 1:21.

Their example teaches that integrity may require moral courage and resistance when human commands conflict with God’s will.

New Testament Examples​

The Widow with Two Mites: Integrity of the Heart​

Scripture: Mark 12:41-44; Luke 21:1-4

Jesus observed people placing offerings into the temple treasury. Many gave large sums publicly, but a poor widow placed in two small copper coins, worth almost nothing by human standards. Jesus called His disciples to Him and said,
“Truly, I say to you, this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the offering box…” Mark 12:43–44.
This woman was not seeking recognition, yet her act revealed a heart fully surrendered to God. Her integrity lay in her willingness to give everything she had in sincere trust. This example teaches that integrity is measured not by amount or visibility, but by faithfulness and godly intent.

Joseph (Husband of Mary): Integrity Through Obedience and Restraint​

Scripture: Matthew 1:125

Joseph, a carpenter from Nazareth, faced a deeply personal crisis when he learned that Mary was pregnant before they had come together. Scripture describes him as “a just man” Matthew 1:19, indicating moral uprightness and integrity.
Rather than exposing Mary to public disgrace, Joseph resolved to divorce her quietly. When an angel appeared to him in a dream and instructed him to take Mary as his wife, Joseph obeyed without protest:
“When Joseph woke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him.” Matthew 1:24.

Joseph’s integrity is seen in his willingness to obey God even when it risked public shame and damage to his reputation. He chose obedience and faithfulness over self-protection.

Characteristics of Integrity​

Scripture reveals that integrity expresses itself through:

1. Truthful speech (Ephesians 4:25)
2. Obedience to God over human pressure (Acts 5:29)
3. Consistency under trial (James 1:12)
4. Quick repentance when wrong (Psalm 51:10)
5. Desire for God’s approval rather than human praise (Galatians 1:10)

Integrity has been described as “doing the right thing when no one is watching” (C.S. Lewis)... refusing to live in deception.

The Cost and Reward of Integrity​

Integrity often carries a personal cost. The Hebrew midwives risked their lives, choosing the fear of God over obedience to a powerful ruler. Exodus 1:17. Obadiah endangered his position and safety by hiding the prophets of the Lord while serving in a corrupt royal household. 1 Kings 18:3-4.
Integrity likewise demanded sacrifice. The poor widow gave all she had to live on without assurance of provision. Mark 12:44. Joseph, Mary’s husband, surrendered his reputation and personal security by obeying God’s instruction rather than preserving his own image. Matthew 1:24-25.

Integrity may delay reward and invite hardship, but it is never wasted.

Cultivating Integrity in Our Daily Life​

Integrity is cultivated through intentional spiritual practices:

1. Hiding God’s Word in the heart (Psalm 119:11)
2. Welcoming God’s examination (Psalm 139:23–24)
3. Practicing faithfulness in unseen matters (Luke 16:10)
4. Walking in accountability and humility (Proverbs 27:17)

Integrity grows where the truth of God’s Word is loved and obedience to His Word is chosen daily.

Biblical Summary​

Integrity is a life wholly aligned with God, with heart, mind, and action united under His lordship. Scripture consistently affirms that God delights in those who walk uprightly because they are faithful. Integrity safeguards the believer’s witness, strengthens spiritual authority, and reflects the character of Christ to the world.

“The righteous who walks in his integrity—blessed are his children after him." Proverbs 20:7.


Angelina 7/01/2025