When we think of people with integrity, we think of those who are honest—individuals whose words and actions align. We think of someone who is dependable, someone who follows through on their commitments,
AND we think of someone who does what is right even when no one is watching. Integrity is not situational; it is a lifestyle.
A person of integrity is someone who does not crack under pressure—he is someone who refuses to compromise their values for convenience, popularity, or personal gain. Their word is their bond; if they say they will do something, they do it.
They don’t make excuses, shift blame, or cut corners.
They are consistent in character, not just when things are easy, but even when things are hard.
Integrity means walking the walk and talking the talk. It’s not just about professing faith—it’s about living it.
It’s about being the same person in private as you are in public.
Look to your neighbor as ask, can I count on you? Maasahan ba kita?
One of the most powerful examples of unwavering integrity in the Bible is Job. In JOB 1:1 it says He was a man blameless and upright (Job 1:1), who feared God and shunned evil. Job’s integrity was not just in words—it was tested in the most extreme circumstances.
Satan accused Job of being faithful only because he was blessed. But when Job lost everything—his wealth, his children, and even his health—he refused to curse God or turn away from righteousness.
Job 2:9-10
“His wife said to him, ‘Are you still maintaining your integrity? Curse God and die!’ But he replied, ‘You are talking like a foolish woman. Shall we accept good from God, and not trouble?’ In all this, Job did not sin in what he said.”
Even in suffering, Job remained faithful. He could have turned his back on God. He could have compromised. But he chose to honor God in his pain, proving that integrity is not based on circumstances—it is a deep-rooted commitment to the truths of GODs
Let me tell you a story. A few years ago, a young man and his date, goes through a drive thru restaurant and orders a bucket of chicken. They were planning to go on a road trip and so in the car the woman he was with, his date, opened the takeout box and found out that it wasn’t chicken inside of it but bundles of cash, the man saw this and realized that, the person who handed him the pack gave him the store collection for the day instead of their order and so he quickly decided to drive back to the restaurant to return it. Now to tell you frankly, I dont think many people would do this, in fact, probably some people would instead, take the money, go to another drive thru and order there, with lots more cash to pocket right.
But see this guy was different,. he finally reaches the restaurant and he and his date walk to the manager and explain to him what happened and to the Managers elation, they returned the cash untouched! The store manager was so pleased that He asked if they can take a selfie with them and get their information so that he can post it on social media and commend the guy and the girl for their integrity. He even told them that he will inform the restaurant chain about their gracious act so they can get big discounts in their future visits. BUT the guy immediately said NO! No, please no. He’s not the type and insisted NOT to post any photos, or his information or the girls information either. The manager was humbled by this gesture and thanked both of them for their integrity.
As the couple left the restaurant, the girl turned to the man and said, oh wow, that was a close call. Imagine if they had posted that on social media, your wife would have found out about us and all hell would have broken loose.
What started out as a seemingly honest gesture, is wrapped around in a sea of lies.
Integrity my dear brothers and sisters is not based on circumstance, it’s a lifestyle.
Jesus said in Matthew 5:37 -
But let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No.’
For whatever is more than these is from the evil one.”
LET your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No.’
This means: let your words stand firm; It means, whatever you say - take care to make it good. When you say YES, you say what you mean and MEAN what you say! Hindi ito medyo medyo lang.
“Sabihin ninyo ang ‘oo’ kung oo at ang ‘hindi’ kung hindi, sapagkat anumang lumabis pa rito ay mula sa masama.”
Similarly, when you say NO, it means NO!
NOW the context upon which the LORD JESUS referred to this is that during his time OATHS or SWORN STATEMENTS or PLEDGES or VOWS were commonly used to guarantee the truthfulness of ones word. BUT, dear brothers and sisters, JESUS is calling his followers, he is calling all Christians to a HIGHER STANDARD say HIGH STANDARD!. Meaning a simple affirmation or denial SHOULD BE Sufficient! THAT WHEN a believer says yes he really meant it and NO is really NO.
Yes, it is right have an oath, it is right to sign contracts, it is right to make sworn statements. BUT WHEN JESUS calls us to a higher standard – HE tells us that even without an OATH or a CONTRACT – Do what you say, Be accountable to your commitments, Make GOOD to your pledges, Ensure to meet your promises.
Now, before we take this further, I want us to pause and really think about the second part of Matthew 5:37. Because I believe it is just as important—maybe even more important—than the first part.
Jesus says: “… For whatever is more than these is from the evil one.”
At first glance, this verse seems simple. “Let your yes be yes, and your no be no.” We get that part—it means be honest, be straightforward, be people of integrity.
But then Jesus takes it a step further:
Anything beyond that? That’s from the devil.
Now, that’s a heavy statement. Jesus is drawing a sharp line—there’s no middle ground. Either we are speaking truth, or we are walking in deception.
Think about this: How often do we hear people exaggerate the truth?
🔹 “Sorry I’m late and that’s because of the traffic” (when in fact you woke up late, and not just the traffic)
🔹 “oohhh I was NOT able to sleep last night” Wala akong tulog (when the truth is, you were able to sleep atleast 3 hours naman.) OR
🔹 “I called you a hundred times!” Di ka man lang sumasagot, lagi na lang ganyan! (when you actually called two time lang!)
We say things like this casually, almost without thinking. But church, Jesus is saying any form of twisting the truth—even small exaggerations—are not from God. They are from the evil one.
Why? Because exaggeration is a form of lying.
Exaggeration shows up in many ways:
🔹 Overstating achievements – Making yourself look better than you really are. People who FAKE it till they make it!
🔹 Making things sound worse than they are – Playing the victim to gain sympathy.
🔹 Over-promising – Saying you will do something, knowing you won’t follow through.
🔹 False humility – Saying, “Oh, I’m terrible at that,” when you know you’re actually good at it.
These are all ways we twist the truth—and if we’re not careful, it can become a habit.
You know brothers and sisters – when you understand the importance and the weight of this call of our LORD to a higher standard, when you embrace and subject your words and actions to a HIGHER STANDARD – You are setting yourself up to be elevated from power to power, from strength to strength and from glory to glory.
In technical terms
The world says, “Under-promise and over-deliver.” A higher standard declares, “Honor your word—then exceed it.”
The world advises, “Set modest expectations and exceed them.” A higher standard proclaims, “Set bold expectations—and shatter them.”
The world teaches, “Promise carefully, perform exceptionally.” A higher standard commands, “Speak with conviction—then perform beyond expectation.”
The world says, “Aim low, achieve high.” A higher standard challenges, “Aim high—then surpass it!.”
FOR LUKE 1:37 says: “For nothing will be impossible with God.” – Luke 1:37
There is one person in the old testament that stands out when we talk about integrity, and that is Daniel.
The story of Daniel is a powerful example of what it means to honor your word and then exceed it. Taken from his homeland and placed in a culture that opposed his faith, Daniel faced countless challenges. Yet, he remained steadfast, showing that true integrity is not just about standing firm but also about excelling beyond expectations.
When Daniel and his three friends—Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego—were taken captive to Babylon, they were placed in King Nebuchadnezzar’s court. As part of their training, they were offered the king’s rich food and wine. However, this food had likely been sacrificed to idols and was not prepared according to God’s laws. Instead of compromising, Daniel made a bold decision:
“But Daniel resolved not to defile himself with the royal food and wine.” (Daniel 1:8)
Daniel could have simply refused, but instead, he proposed a test:
“Please test your servants for ten days: Give us nothing but vegetables to eat and water to drink. Then compare our appearance with that of the young men who eat the royal food.” (Daniel 1:12-13)
Rather than causing unnecessary conflict, Daniel honored his word wisely, offering a practical solution instead of mere defiance. And what was the outcome?
“At the end of the ten days they looked healthier and better nourished than any of the young men who ate the royal food.” (Daniel 1:15)
🔹 Daniel honored God first, and not only did he keep his word, but he exceeded all expectations—physically, mentally, and spiritually.
“To these four young men God gave knowledge and understanding of all kinds of literature and learning. And Daniel could understand visions and dreams of all kinds.” (Daniel 1:17)
The practice of the High Standard of Integrity, is a step by step process. It does not happen overnight.
The High Standard of Integrity Process:
First: EQUIPPING
2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NIV)
“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”
Underline the that last statement:
so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”
Notice the emphasis: thoroughly EQUIPPED – thoroughly meaning comprehensively, painstakingly, meticulously. And EQUIPPED means PREPARED, ARMED, TRAINED. Thoroughly equipped = FULLY TRAINED, lacking nothing, in tagalog tinuruang lubos.
How are we thoroughly equipped. By reading and meditating on this book right here! For all scripture, everything written in here, carries the spirit of God, His very breathe, His very being – Every word. That’s why John 1:1 Says, In the beginning was the WORD – and the WORD was with GOD, and the WORD was GOD! Do you get it? That’s why our verse says All Scripture is God-breathed and is??? WHAT does it say??: and IS?: useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness
GOD is a faithful father – He is ABBA – and in His fatherly love, He teaches, Rebukes, Corrects and Trains His children to do what is right – He does this through His word the Bible. Do you see that. The bible says, the LORD disciplines those he LOVES! So when you feel His gently rebuke, when you hear His correction, it is accompanied by His LOVE! There is a saying that GOD is close to you when He teaches you. Just like a gardener pruning the branches of a plant, is when He is closest to you right?
Second is ENABLING
Philippians 2:13 (NIV) “For it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill His good purpose.”
To enable is to provide the ability to carry out a task. You can have all the training and preparation, but without the power to act, knowledge remains unused—like a warrior armed with weapons but unwilling to step onto the battlefield.
God enables us – He provides the strength, wisdom and the courage to carry out the high standard of integrity.
Just like Daniel, when he resolved not to defile himself with the king’s food (Daniel 1:8), God enabled him with favor, strength, and wisdom beyond his peers (Daniel 1:17-20).
There is a critical step to be enabled by GOD – and that is to step out in obedience and faith. And I know this can be difficult sometime. BUT when we are fully equipped by GOD – nothing can stop us from taking the words in the bible and living it out. There is nothing to fear when we stand our ground. God said he will strengthen us with His righteous right hand!
God is saying—STEP OUT! Stand on His truth, and He will give you the courage to act upon it. You are not alone. He strengthens, upholds, and enables you to live out His Word.
You know MEDIOCRITY is the enemy of INTEGRITY! Mediocrity means just getting by, ordinary, lacking drive or passion. That’s Mediocrity and it’s the enemy of INTEGRITY.
Mediocrity compromises. It says, “Just do enough to get by.” But integrity commits—it goes beyond the bare minimum and chooses excellence.
FOR Jesus calls us to a higher standard of INTEGRITY:
Colossians 3:23 (NIV)
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.”
WITH All your heart is what is says! That’s a high standard, that’s not just ordinary! Integrity calls us to live out the word of GOD
? Mediocrity settles—Integrity soars.
? Mediocrity excuses—Integrity executes.
? Mediocrity avoids challenges—Integrity overcomes them.
REMEMBER THIS: God does not enable the half-hearted. He enables the wholehearted.
He strengthens those who are willing to stand firm and take action.
Third is EMPOWERING
2 Timothy 1:7 (NIV) “For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us POWER, LOVE, AND SELF-DISCIPLINE.”
Equipping prepares you.
Enabling gives you the ability to act.
But Empowering fills you with the supernatural capacity to go beyond your own limitations.
God doesn’t just equip and enable—He empowers His people with His Spirit, giving them the capacity beyond human ability.
What is this spirit that GOD gave? This is the Holy Spirit by dear friends.
Jesus knew His disciples had been equipped with His teachings and enabled by their faith, but they still needed something more. That’s why He told them to wait for the Holy Spirit.
🔹 In Acts 2, the disciples received the Holy Spirit, and immediately, fearful men became fearless preachers.
God’s empowerment is not just a vague idea—it is a real, active force in our lives. When we receive His Spirit, we are equipped with THREE ESSENTIAL QUALITIES based on 2 Timothy 1:7 that sets us apart from the world:
1. Power—The Strength to Stand for Truth Even When It’s Difficult
God does not call us to timidity but to boldness. The word “power” in this verse comes from the Greek word dynamis, which is where we get the word dynamite—explosive, unstoppable force.
This means that when the world tries to silence truth, when culture demands compromise, and when opposition rises against righteousness, we do not shrink back! Instead, we stand firm, knowing that the same power that raised Jesus from the dead is at work within us (Romans 8:11).
Acts 4:13 – Peter and John, once fearful fishermen, spoke boldly before religious leaders. Their courage was undeniable because they had been empowered by the Spirit.
📖 Ephesians 6:10 – “Be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power.” Our strength comes not from ourselves but from God Himself.
God’s power enables us to:
? Speak truth when lies are louder.
? Stand for righteousness when the world embraces sin.
? Persevere through trials without fear.
2. Love—The Ability to Live with Integrity Without Arrogance or Pride
Power alone is not enough—it must be balanced by love. Without love, power can become prideful, self-serving, and harsh.
But true, godly power is motivated by love—love for God, love for people, and love for truth.
1 Corinthians 13:1-3 – Paul teaches that without love, even the greatest acts of faith and sacrifice are meaningless.
John 13:35 – “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
Integrity is not just about doing what is right—it is about how we do it. We don’t stand for truth with arrogance; we stand for truth with love, humility, and grace.
God’s love enables us to:
? Speak truth without condemnation.
? Forgive when others fail in integrity.
? Lead with compassion, not pride.
3. Self-Discipline—The Commitment to Remain Faithful, Even When No One is Watching
Empowerment is not just about one-time acts of boldness—it’s about a consistent lifestyle of integrity, faithfulness, and self-control. The word self-discipline in Greek (sophronismos) means sound judgment, wise restraint, and a well-ordered life.
📖 Titus 2:11-12 – “For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say ‘No’ to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age.”
📖 Proverbs 10:9 – “Whoever walks in integrity walks securely.”
Many people start strong, but only those with self-discipline finish well. A lack of self-discipline leads to compromise, but true empowerment means having the strength to remain faithful even when:
? No one is watching.
? Temptation offers an easy way out.
? The world pressures you to lower your standards.
Power gives us the strength.
Love keeps our motives pure.
Self-discipline ensures we remain steadfast.
When we walk in obedience to God, His empowerment is not just sufficient—it is abundant! GOD Empowers us to Exceed Expectations
God does not simply give us enough strength to survive; He gives us the overflowing power to:
🔥 Exceed expectations in integrity and faith.
🔥 Be bold in truth when others remain silent.
🔥 Accomplish the impossible through His Spirit.
Integrity is not just on Sundays—it must be lived out daily in every area of life. How do we apply the High Standard of Integrity in real-world situations?
1. In the Family
Proverbs 20:7 – “The righteous lead blameless lives; blessed are their children after them.”
? Keep your promises – If you tell your children you will be there, be there.
? Lead by example – Children learn integrity by watching you.
2. In Business
Proverbs 11:1 – “The Lord detests dishonest scales, but accurate weights find favor with Him.”
? Practice fairness – Conduct business with honesty and transparency.
? Build a reputation of trust – Your integrity should speak louder than your success.
? Preserve Your Heart – Choose integrity over money.
3. In the Workplace
? Honor your commitments – If you say you will do something, do it excellently.
? Refuse shortcuts – Do not compromise values for profit or promotions.
? Treat colleagues with integrity – Be honest, fair, and respectful.
4. In the Community
📖 Matthew 5:16 – “Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”
? Be truthful in your dealings – Let your yes be yes and your no be no.
? Stand for righteousness – Speak up against injustice and wrongdoing.
? Serve selflessly – Live in a way that points others to Christ.
Integrity is not just about doing what is right when it is easy—it is about doing what is right even when it costs you.
🚀 Honor Your Word—Then Exceed It.
🚀 Set Bold Expectations—Then Shatter Them.
🚀 Speak With Conviction—Then Perform Beyond Expectation.
🚀 Aim High—Then Surpass the Impossible.
📖 Galatians 6:9 – “Let us not grow weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”
ALTAR CALL....
Romans 10:9 says this:
If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved. As Scripture says, “Anyone who believes in him will never be put to shame.” For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile —the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”
If you want to experience the goodness and love of GOD in your life today and for eternity.
Raise up your hands. For those who raised their hands. I invite you to close you eyes and we’ll do as Romans 10:9 says. LORD, I surrender my life to you today. I am a sinner in need of your help. Forgive me LORD for my sins and I confess that only you LORD JESUS have died on the cross for me, and rose from the dead for me. Thank you Jesus for reconciling me back to GOD. Thank you JESUS for the gift of eternal life with GOD. Amen!
Welcome to the kingdom of GOD! Surely goodness and mercy shall follow you all the days of your life.
Praise Be To God!
Let us pray..
