We live in a world filled with evil, greed, self-centeredness, and deceit, where moral values are disregarded and evil is increasingly prevalent. The Prophet Isaiah 5: 20 says:
“Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter!“Everyone must carefully observe the distinction between good and evil. Failure to do so will lead to destruction. If we do not take God's word, the Bible, as our standard, moral decisions will soon become unclear. We cannot live a compromised life and expect to please God. Without God, we are nothing.
We can ask the question: How does one pursue a life of integrity in this present world, where the environment is so corrupt? Pursuing integrity has been a subtheme of JBU’s yearlong theme: “Keeping Faith in the Word in an Ever-Changing World”. The world is constantly changing; values and attitudes are changing, but the Word of God remains constant and firm.
The word "integrity" highlights the importance of walking circumspectly with God, referring to a course of action that enables one to live in a way that honours God, the Creator.
Integrity is doing what is always right, whether anyone is watching or not. In other words, we do not live our lives to please human beings but to please God, the all-knowing and all-seeing Creator of the universe.
Can anyone in this ever-changing world live a life of integrity that is pleasing to God? Can we find individuals with the same level of strong moral character as Joseph or Job in today's world? The answer to both questions is yes. God has His people everywhere, and living in integrity means maintaining moral uprightness, being incorruptible, and having a steadfast commitment to righteousness. Unfortunately, honesty seems to be a rare commodity today, particularly among our leaders. It's essential to remember that integrity is a God-given value that is shaped and guided by our continuous walk with the Almighty. To live a life of integrity in all our daily activities, we must be faithful to God's commands at all times.
God honours integrity. A person of integrity behaves ethically and does the right thing, even behind closed doors. The Bible is filled with men and women of integrity who lived their lives to honour and glorify God, such as Joseph, Job, Daniel, Jephthah, Deborah, and Ruth, just to name a few. Joseph had an impeccable character, and his integrity placed him among the greatest of his father's sons. God referred to Job as "blameless and upright," meaning he was a man of integrity who trusted God. Jephthah held true to his oath."
Integrity, as described in the Bible, develops through a life of righteousness, faith, humility, and commitment. In Genesis 15: 6, the Bible shows that Abraham's belief in God was counted as righteousness. He demonstrated his faith through his actions, emphasizing that it was his belief that made him right with God, not just his actions.
Today, Christians can have a right relationship with God by trusting Him (Prov. 3:5-6). In Romans 14:17-18, Paul explains that the Kingdom of God is righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit. Anyone who serves Christ in this way is pleasing to God and approved by men. Psalm 119:172 states that all of God’s commandments are righteousness. Therefore, if we live by and conform to every word of God, we will grow in righteousness.
God assures us that all who honestly seek Him—those who act in faith on the knowledge of God they possess—will be rewarded. Hebrews 11:6 says: "But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him." We exhibit our love for God by obeying and believing what He says.
"God has no room for the proud mockers but gives grace to the humble" (Prov 3: 34). Micah 6: 8 says, "He has shown you, O man, what is good, and what does the Lord require of you? TO act justly, to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God." There is only one way to please God, and that is by doing things according to God's will. If we choose to do things our way, there will consequences for our actions.If we genuinely repent and accept Jesus Christ as our Lord and Saviour, our commitment demands a fully surrendered life. This life relies on God's guidance to lead us in the way He desires. God instructs us to entrust our path to Him, and He will show us the way (Psalm 37: 5 and Prov 16: 3). In Romans 12: 1 - 2, Paul reminds us not to conform to the patterns of this world but to be transformed by renewed our minds.
As we commemorate 62 years of our independence as a nation, let us not overlook the fact that we are entirely on God in every aspect of our lives.
Margaret Curtis Walker
Deacon