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,
friends of Daniel, refused to do so. The king was furious and asked: “Is it true, Shadrach,
Meshach and Abednego, that you do not serve my gods or worship the image of gold I
have set up?” (Daniel 3:14; NIV).
Then Daniel 3:15-18 (NIV): “Now when you hear the sound of the horn, flute,
zither, lyre, harp, pipes and all kinds of music, if you are ready to fall down and worship
the image I made, very good. But if you do not worship it, you will be thrown
immediately into a blazing furnace. Then what god will be able to rescue you from my
hand? Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego replied to the king, "O Nebuchadnezzar, we do
not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. If we are thrown into the blazing
furnace, the God we serve is able to save us from it, and he will rescue us from your
hand, O king. But even if he does not, we want you to know, O king, that we will not
serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up."
Once in China, there was a jail where some of the fugitives managed to run out
despite the high wall, locks, and tight security. How come? Investigation later revealed
that the integrity of the jail staff was questionable. The fugitives managed to bribe them,
so that the locked gates could be opened easily. A person's integrity determines his
actions; he who has high integrity will not be tempted by money like that.
INTEGRITY DEMOSTRATED BEHAVIOR
Integrity is lifestyle character that dwells in someone who obeys God. 1 John 2:5-
6 (NIV): “But if anyone obeys his word, God's love {5 Or word, love for God} is truly
made complete in him. This is how we know we are in him: Whoever claims to live in
him must walk as Jesus did.”
In 1943, soldiers of Japan sent hundreds of “national enemies” of USA and
Europe to a shelter in the province of Shantung in China. For months they had to
withstand boredom, frustration and fear. Personal conflicts occurred, anger exploded
along with various devious conflicts. But according to one prisoner's notes, there was a
gentlemen “who was without a doubt, someone to be honored, followed and loved.” Eric
Liddell was a missionary from Scotland.
A prostitute from Russia recently said that Liddell was the only gentleman who
was willing to do something for her without asking anything in return. When she first got
to prison and was ridiculed, Liddell made her a rack for her. Other prisoners said: “He
had peace in his mind, humorous ways to deal with angry people under stressful
conditions.” Once at a meeting, all prisoners were furious and wanted something to be
done to some troublemaker teenagers. Liddell was able to solve that problem.
He started various sports programs, craftsmanship training and classes for
children. He spent his nights with them. Liddell gained his fame at the Olympiad in 1924.
He won the gold medal for the 400 meter running competition. But at other stressful
times in his life, he still maintained his composure. The world could see that he is indeed
a good Christian despite everything that happens.
What made Liddell so special? Once there was a 100-meter dash that Liddel
thought he could win, but he decided not to go because it was on Sunday. Why? Because
Liddell wanted to go to church. His fans were very disappointed and angry at him. Now
you know the secret. Why is Liddell so well known now? He demonstrated his act in
accordance to his integrity.
I often find many church members that do not go to church on Sundays. Then
when I ask them why, they easily answer that they cannot wake up early. I am rather
confused, how can 10:00AM service be too early? They never find it a problem to wake
up at 6AM to go to the office. Why is your boss on earth more important than your Boss
in heaven? Some says that there are guests at their house. When you have guests, is it not
the right opportunity to bring them to church with you? Others say that there's the World
Cup that's held only once in four years. If Liddell could decide not to compete on
Sunday, why can't you do the same?
What we do on earth can be judged by many people. When we do things, do we
show our integrity? When a true child of God travel to another town, other than having
clothes in his suit, money, and cosmetics, then he should also bring the Bible. Why?
Because he needs to read it and bring it on Sundays to church.
What's more interesting about Liddell is that when he was in jail, he still woke up
at 6 in the morning. He had to walk carefully passing his sleeping friends, turn on a minilight and read the Bible. Eric Liddell searched for grace and strength everyday from the
wealth of God's Scripture. Chariots of Fire is a famous movie made to retell his lifestory.
Every one of us needs life of integrity. Jesus' life serves as concrete example for
us and the standard by which believers should live up to. The integrity of Jesus really
perseveres till His last breath on earth. How about us? Does our life have integrity? As a
staff in a company, have we learnt to be responsible? Have you been on time? How about
your lunch time? Have you been stalling your lunch breaks? As a Christian businessman,
have you been willing to refuse to work with those who cheat in business? There are
many other examples. Are you willing to live maintaining your integrity? Integrity must
be actualized in our lives, not idealized like an illusion.
Self-Reflection:
1. What is life of integrity according to you? What actions must one take to live with
integrity? Other than the ones discussed here, are there examples from the Bible
of people who lived with integrity?
2. What about you? What hinders you from living with integrity? How do you plan
to get around that difficulty?
