Character of a Christian - Integrity

Integrity requires alignment with the truth

What is truth and why is it important?

Truth reflects what is real and unchanging

Many seek truth as a desired reality - If it isn't real it's wishing

Cultural morality

Some see truth through an ideological lens - You must first accept their presuppositions for these views to make sense

Example: Socialism

Truth begins with God - Numbers 23:19

Numbers 23:19 NIV

19 God is not human, that he should lie, not a human being, that he should change his mind. Does he speak and then not act? Does he promise and not fulfill?

Three elements of truth

Truth is true or consistent with reality - Anything other than what is true is a lie

Truth is unchanging - It is based on God’s character, not cultural norms

Truth impacts our actions

God’s word is our source for truth - Psalm 119:160

Psalm 119:160 NIV

160 All your words are true; all your righteous laws are eternal.

Here again we have the first two criteria for truth - I tis aligned with truth and eternal

Disciples seek the truth of Christ's teaching - John 8:31-32

John 8:31–32 NIV

31 To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. 32 Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

Believers have a powerful means of determining the truth - John 16:13

John 16:13 NIV

13 But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come.

Building our lives and decisions on what is unreal is unwise

Integrity Requires Consistent Faithfulness

We know that we will all fail and sin. None of us is perfect.

How faithful do we need to be to have Integrity? How consistent must we be in aligning with the truth?

Many think that exceptions in our actions are allowed as long as our beliefs are correct

Example: Josh McDowell survey on sexual morality

Some think that what is important is our intentions - Good intentions excuse bad behavior

Example: Celebrity excuses for bad behavior

God is our model for faithfulness and consistency - Deuteronomy 32:4

Deuteronomy 32:4 NIV

4 He is the Rock, his works are perfect, and all his ways are just. A faithful God who does no wrong, upright and just is he.

God is Perfect (True) and Faithful (Consistent)

Integrity over time produces faithfulness - Galatians 6:9

Galatians 6:9 NIV

9 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.

Example: Joseph

God demands doing the right things, not just believing the right things- James 2:14-17; James 1:22

James 2:14–17 NIV

14 What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? 15 Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. 16 If one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? 17 In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.

James 1:22 NIV

22 Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.

God requires walking in integrity - Proverbs 10:9

Proverbs 10:9 NIV

9 Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but whoever takes crooked paths will be found out.

A walk is a long duration, not a single decision. Deviations threaten the walk

Integrity is the best witness to the world around us - 1 Peter 2:12

1 Peter 2:12 NIV

12 Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.

Outlive your detractors - Consistency builds reputations