Living With Integrity

Christian actors struggle to find work in Hollywood.

Patricia Heaton - 2x Emmy award winner, co-star on Everybody Loves Raymond.

Says that observant Christians in Hollywood are considered “No fun, straight-laced misfits, or radical fundamentalists.”

Jim Caveziel - played Jesus in The Passion of the Christ. (I’m not Jesus, I play Him in the movies.)

Warned by Mel Gibson that the role could be a “career ended.” Very nearly did. He had a hard time finding movie roles but eventually starred in the TV drama Person of Interest.

The temptation is to just give in and “go with the flow” in order to get ahead.

We all face the same struggle.

Holding firm to our beliefs and convictions (we fear) could cost us jobs, friends, family connections, opportunities.

Apostle Paul’s encouragement and example in 2 Cor. 6 help us to understand and emulate his desire to maintain his integrity.

2 Corinthians 6:3 NLT

We live in such a way that no one will stumble because of us, and no one will find fault with our ministry.

This is a clear statement of integrity. No matter what or who attempts to prevent him from fulfilling his loyalty to Christ, Paul would not be distracted or derailed.

He was singular in his beliefs and focus.

Integrity = being undivided and consistent in all areas of life.

Who you are in the ”dark” is the same as in the “light.”

It’s being undivided in all areas of life.

An Undivided Mind

Means we have the right values.

Bible calls it “double-minded, divided.”

James 1:8 NLT

Their loyalty is divided between God and the world, and they are unstable in everything they do.

James 4:8 NLT

Come close to God, and God will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, for your loyalty is divided between God and the world.

An Undivided Will

We have the right Master.

Last week we talked about discerning whose opinion of us matters the most.

Similarly, who sets the direction of your life?

Matthew 6:24 NLT

24 “No one can serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other; you will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and be enslaved to money.

1 Peter 1:15–16 NLT

15 But now you must be holy in everything you do, just as God who chose you is holy. 16 For the Scriptures say, “You must be holy because I am holy.”

1 John 5:2 NLT

2 We know we love God’s children if we love God and obey his commandments.

An Undivided Heart

We have the right passions. Passion, in this context, describes anything that really grabs our attention.

It could be a hobby, sports, kids, politics, a cause.

Being a person of integrity means having a passion for godliness.

1 John 2:15 NLT

15 Do not love this world nor the things it offers you, for when you love the world, you do not have the love of the Father in you.

Psalm 119:11 NLT

I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.

1 Timothy 6:5–6 NLT

These people always cause trouble. Their minds are corrupt, and they have turned their backs on the truth. To them, a show of godliness is just a way to become wealthy. Yet true godliness with contentment is itself great wealth.

Becoming a Person of Integrity

Will this choice make me look good to Jesus or others?

Galatians 1:10 NLT

Obviously, I’m not trying to win the approval of people, but of God. If pleasing people were my goal, I would not be Christ’s servant.

Will this choice make me rich(er)?

Proverbs 15:16 NLT

Better to have little, with fear for the Lord, than to have great treasure and inner turmoil.

Will this choice bring me fame?

Luke 14:11 NLT

For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”

Will this choice be criticized if I get caught?

Hebrews 4:13 NLT

Nothing in all creation is hidden from God. Everything is naked and exposed before his eyes, and he is the one to whom we are accountable.