The journey to the cross involves a commitment to integrity. By picking up the cross, I acknowledge that I am a sinner deserving of death and recognize that I must be crucified with Christ to be made new. As Paul confesses in Galatians 2:20, “I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”
Living a life of integrity means understanding our true state and recognizing the solution. This integrity comes with a renewal of the mind, as described in Romans 12:2. It involves listening to the teachings of Jesus and applying them to our lives. This life of integrity speaks truth clearly, saying “Yes” or “No” without needing to be coerced or threatened to accept the truth, as emphasized in Matthew 5:36-37.
Our minds have often been shaped by people, circumstances, and our temperament. These influences are rooted in a natural inclination toward self-preservation, which can sometimes lead us to bend the truth or resort to little white lies. However, our journey calls us to die daily (Romans 12:1) and to sit at the feet of Jesus (Luke 10:38-42) to grow in integrity.
God, in Christ by His Spirit, calls us to be made in His image. His image was manifested in Jesus, who is the way, the truth, and the life; that is the definition of integrity.
Ephesians 4:13 reminds us, “until we all attain the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ.”
Abe Lincoln said, “Whoever is careless with the truth in small matters cannot be trusted with important matters.”
Abe was a follower of Christ and I believe that he gathered this wise saying from the truth that he learned from scripture.
All sin is sin, whether big or small. Therefore it’s all dangerous to us and those around us. Commitment to integrity is difficult. It requires determination, courage, and sacrifice; but it comes with great reward. Unlike sin, which is easy, but comes with death and destruction.
The Marine Corps makes a big deal about integrity. Some of the examples are never lying, cheating, or stealing, respecting human dignity being accountable for your actions and doing the right thing even when no one is watching.
These a seem like common sense, but each can be difficult. Jesus set the best example possible in the ways we should act.
We need to surround ourselves with people that will hold us accountable and challenge us to walk with integrity.
Psalm 25:21: “May integrity and uprightness preserve me, for I wait for you [God]” Integrity is unwavering adherence to moral and ethical principles. It’s honesty, trustworthiness, and doing the right thing,even when no one is watching. lt’s aligning actions with values, building trust. God’s integrity is closely tied to His faithfulness. He consistently keeps His promises, and His actions align with His words. God is the embodiment of truth. His integrity
means He cannot lie or deceive. We are called to be like Christ to walk with integrity.