Challenges of Integrity -- part 2

As we continue our discussion of the challenges and blessing of integrity, let’s now consider why integrity of character is important. First of all, God deems integrity of heart as a highly valued character quality. The Word talks a lot about integrity and most certainly it is part of becoming Christ-like. 

Our integrity as Mothers of Nations reveals His character of integrity to the rest of the world. It’s a witness! Integrity "speaks!"  Secondly, integrity of ministry and leadership causes people to be more receptive to the Gospel. Finally, integrity of lifestyle validates the power of God to change one’s life from darkness to light empowered to live in victory, holiness, and righteousness. Bottom line, does Jesus make a difference or not? 

There are so many scriptural examples of integrity in the lives of men and women in God’s Word. Shall we take a look at several of those now?

King Solomon:  God’s covenant with Solomon was based on this heart character of integrity. The following passage of 1 Kings 9: 1-5 reveals what the Lord thinks of integrity of heart.

1 And it came to pass, when Solomon had finished building the house of the Lord and the king’s house, and all Solomon’s desire which he wanted to do, 2 that the Lord appeared to Solomon the second time, as He had appeared to him at Gibeon. 3 And the Lord said to him:  "I have heard your prayer and your supplication that you have made before Me; I have consecrated this house which you have built to put My name there forever, and My eyes and My heart will be there perpetually. 4 Now if you walk before Me as your father David walked, in integrity of heart and in uprightness, to do according to all that I have commanded you, and if you keep My statutes and My judgments, then I will establish the throne of your kingdom over Israel forever, as I promised David your father, saying, 'You shall not fail to have a man on the throne of Israel.'"

Do you find it interesting that God highlighted “integrity of heart” as a determiner of covenant? We see here that the “if” condition of covenant was integrity. Mothers of Nations, what do we value as most important:  accomplishments or character development?

Samuel the Prophet: Samuel testifies of his integrity in this address at Saul’s coronation found in 1 Samuel 12: 1-4.

1 Now Samuel said to all Israel, “Indeed I have heeded your voice in all that you said to me and have made a king over you. 2 And now here is the king (Saul), walking before you: and I am old and gray headed, and look, my sons are with you. I have walked before you from my childhood to this day. 3 Here I am. Witness against me before the Lord and before His anointed. Whose ox have I taken, or whose donkey have I taken, or whom have I cheated? Whom have I oppressed, or from whose hand have I received any bribe with which to blind my eyes? I will restore it to you.” 4 And they said, “You have not cheated us or oppressed us, nor have you taken anything from any man’s hand.”

Samuel’s testimony on integrity here speaks to several areas that might be challenges of character in each of our own lives. He states that he has not coerced provision from anyone by his office or calling. Perhaps he is alluding to the challenges of expectations of special treatment because of who we think we are.

He also shares that he has not defrauded: gossiped, bore false witness or such to better his portion in life. This certainly can relate to our lives today and the challenges we may face to better our position or for gain in position or employments. The comment about not taking bribes could cover many things, not just money. What about trade-offs, undercut bids, etc.? Is our integrity challenged in the workplace in these areas at times?

Samuel stayed true to God and never compromised his integrity. Can you and I today testify like Samuel? Do we have a free and clear testimony?

The Unnamed Man and David's Captains: Let’s look at one more situation in 2 Samuel 18: 1-15 that shows us a lot about integrity. This is the story of the unnamed man and David’s captains Joab, Abishai, and Ittai. For context, we first should read through this passage that talks about Absalom’s defeat and death.

1 And David numbered the people who were with him, and set captains of thousands and captains of hundreds over them. 2 Then David sent out one third of the people under the hand of Joab, one third under the hand of Abishai the son of Zeruiah, Joab’s brother, and one third under the hand of Ittai the Gittite. And the king said to the people, “I also will surely go out with you myself.”

3 But the people answered, “You shall not go out! For if we flee away, they will not care about us; nor if half of us die, will they care about us. But you are worth ten thousand of us now. For you are now more help to us in the city.” 4 Then the king said to them, “Whatever seems best to you I will do.” So the king stood beside the gate, and all the people went out by hundreds and by thousands.

5 Now the king had commanded Joab, Abishai, and Ittai, saying, “Deal gently for my sake with the young man Absalom.” And all the people heard when the king gave all the captains orders concerning Absalom. 6 So the people went out into the field of battle against Israel. And the battle was in the woods of Ephraim. 7 The people of Israel were overthrown there before the servants of David, and a great slaughter of twenty thousand took place there that day. 8 For the battle there was scattered over the face of the whole countryside, and the woods devoured more people that day than the sword devoured.

9 Then Absalom met the servants of David. Absalom rode on a mule. The mule went under the thick boughs of a great terebinth tree, and his head caught in the terebinth; so he was left hanging between heaven and earth. And the mule which was under him went on. 10 Now a certain man saw it and told Joab, and said, “I just saw Absalom hanging in a terebinth tree!” 

11 So Joab said to the man who told him, “You just saw him! And why did you not strike him there to the ground? I would have given you ten shekels of silver and a belt.” 12  But the man said to Joab, “Though I were to receive a thousand shekels of silver in my hand, I would not raise my hand against the king’s son. For in our hearing the king commanded you and Abishai and Ittai, saying, ‘Beware lest anyone touch the young man Absalom!’ 13 Otherwise I would have dealt falsely against my own life. For there is nothing hidden from the king, and you yourself would have set yourself against me.” 

14 Then Joab said, “I cannot linger with you.” And he took three spears in his hand and thrust them through Absalom’s heart, while he was still alive in the midst of the terebinth tree. 15 And ten young men who bore Joab’s armor surrounded Absalom, and struck and killed him. 

Mothers of Nations, we see a lot about integrity in this situation! First of all, status or rank does not guarantee integrity of character. This unknown man (“a certain man”) would not sell his integrity and disobey the King’s command regardless of the price. (vs. 11-12) Yet Joab, one of King David’s high-ranking officials, had no second thoughts of following the lust of his heart rather than his King’s order. He would have paid a ransom for Absalom’s death. He acted and thrust darts through Absalom’s heart. (vs. 14)

We should always be mindful that things done in secret are still known to God and reveal our integrity, whether anyone else knows about them or not. Lack of integrity in secret will surely someday reveal lack of integrity in public. Even though no one else may hear about decisions we make, God knows, and it counts to Him!

Lack of private integrity that becomes revealed publicly in the lives of Christian leaders does nothing to further the kingdom of God. Fallout of such situations includes loss of respect of the ministry, mocking of God’s people, and mocking of God. There can be loss of financial support for ministries and the breakdown of credibility and suspicion even among believers.

As we close today let’s take some time to reflect on situations in our own lives where our integrity has been challenged. Take time to pray and ask the Lord for His forgiveness where you have lacked integrity of character. Let’s all move forward with powerful testimonies of integrity!

Rev. Nola Beintema