Life Of Integrity, Realistic Or Not?

LIFE OF INTEGRITY, REALISTIC OR NOT?

Philippians 2:5

Life of integrity; is it realistic or not? This question arises because in reality, we

hardly ever find with a Christian whom we consider to be honorable. Instead, what we

find more often are hypocrites. Why? Apparently Christians are „active only at church

on Sundays, but not on weekdays at work. On other days, believers do not behave any

differently than non-Christians.

Every morning, once we open our eyes, step into office, sit in class, we find many

different kinds of Christians. There is nothing special about them. They make decisions

not any different than nonbelievers. Oftentimes Christians even do things that are against

the Bible. When admonished, they even defend themselves by saying that business has

nothing to do with religion.

We are often mistaken, because people out there never separate us from our status

as Christians. They know that we are Christian, so they trust us more. When we want to

start business with someone, others will tell that person not to worry because we are

Christian. But is it really true that we can completely trust Christians? Unfortunately,

many Christians cannot be trusted! Christians actually lie and trick people. This makes

people think that all Christians cannot be trusted. Unfair isn't it? Only a few are like that,

yet people generalize and make universal statements about us.

Technically, the English word integrity implies totality, complete and whole. This

is the characteristic of true obedience to moral codes and acts. When we put this integrity

into practice, then the nature of integrity can no longer be classified solely as our

characteristics, but also as trustworthy actions and responsible commitment. Integrity is

the standard of incorruptibility – choosing righteousness over wrongdoings, being

responsible and keeping one's pledge.

As an example, let's look at Deuteronomy 32:4 (KJV): “He is the Rock, his work

is perfect: for all his ways are judgment: a God of truth and without iniquity, just and

right is he.” Job 1:1 (KJV): “There was a man in the land of Uz, whose name was Job;

and that man was perfect and upright, and one that feared God, and eschewed evil.” Titus

1:8 (KJV):” Rather he must be hospitable, one who loves what is good, who is self-controlled, upright, holy and disciplined.” Titus 2:12 (KJV): “Teaching us that, denying

ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this

present world” Those who claim to believe in Christ and call themselves Christians must

possess such a model for life.

Christian integrity is a standard life package for normal Christians. Without

integrity, then Christian life is incomplete, even meaningless. Christian integrity is also

the image and depiction of the life of those who have Christ. This is reflected from their

daily actions, both in private and in public. That way a believer's life can have an impact

on others around them.

INTEGRITY IS DISCIPLINED BEHAVIOR

Indirectly everyday we always make decisions; I'm sure that even for today I

have made many important decisions that you have taken. Getting out of bed is already a

decision, one will have high integrity if everyday he wakes up early. On the other hand,

his integrity will be questioned if he wakes up late everyday.

As a student, when all your friends on campus cheat, what about you? Will you

still obey the rules? Will you feel left out if you must make a decision that is different

than other people?

Joshua 24:15 (NIV): “But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then

choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your forefathers

served beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But

as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD."

Ruth 1:16 (NIV) says: “But Ruth replied, "Don't urge me to leave you or to turn

back from you. Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will

be my people and your God my God.”

What we become depends on what decisions we make. When we choose to do

good, then people will judge us well. When a guy decides to smoke or do drugs, then

people will frown upon him.

INTEGRITY IS DETERMINED BEHAVIOR

People's life conditions vary, so are their problems. But the key to integrity is the

same. When we face difficulties, our actions are very visible. Christians should actually

bear the image that is depicted in the Bible.

In Daniel 3:1. King Nebuchadnezzar made a golden statue that is sixty cubits high

and six cubits wide and set it up on the plain of Dura in the province of Babylon. His

people was commanded to worship that statue. But Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego,