Living with integrity reflects God's righteousness in us because we are created in His image (Genesis 1:27). However, because of our sinful flesh, we need the power of the Holy Spirit to help us live with integrity. Many people find it hard to live with integrity because they're often focused on themselves, trying too hard to make others happy, or worried about what others think of them. Proverbs 10:9 says, "Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but whoever takes crooked paths will be found out." According to the above verse, integrity leads us to secure life. When we live in integrity, we live an honest life. People see us as who we are. We do not hide anything. What we say and what we do align with each other. We do not live in lies or deceptions. People who live in lies will be exposed, and when they are exposed, their judgment will be severe. Living with dishonest life is not of God but of Satan. Jesus described Satan as the father of lies (John 8:44).
As believers, we have only two choices regarding how to live: living with integrity or living in lies. If we want to have a secure life, then we choose to live with integrity. Frank William Abagnale Jr. was a convicted felon for committing fraud. He stole checks and replaced fake information to steal money from banks. Frank impersonated a police officer, a pilot, and a lawyer. With all the money that He had stolen, he was always on the run because the FBI was consistently pursuing him. As a result, Frank became more isolated and lonely. In the end, he became tired of running and wanted a new life because he had been living in lies. Eventually, he was caught and put in prison. Frank's life was depicted in the movie Catch Me If You Can (2002). Proverbs 19:1 says, "Better to be poor and honest than to be dishonest and a fool." There is no peace and security in a dishonest life. Many people, like Frank, had pretended to be someone else, and they ended up badly.
One reason God wants us to live with integrity is for us to be secure in Him. When we live honestly, we allow God to be God in our lives. We need to live the way God intended us to be and trust Him with all of our hearts.
Questions for application: (Think through these questions carefully, meditate on them while answering them, and let the Spirit of God speak to you.) Why is it difficult for someone to live with integrity? Is living with integrity something that I am struggling with? What are some ways I can handle things with integrity in my current situation?
Take a moment to write down all your worries today. Then, lift them up to God in prayer, surrendering them to His will and trusting in His guidance.
Prayer:
Dear Father in Heaven, would you please help me live with integrity and resist dishonesty? Please empower me to live just the way you created me to be. Protect my tongue from lying and my heart from deception. In your name, Jesus, I pray. Amen.
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