Matters of of Integrity
Integrity matters. It matters more than it used to, and it matters more than we know. It was a matter close to Jesus’ heart, and we need to spend much more time and energy addressing it than we already do.
There are three things that I believe passionately about integrity;
We all have a long way to go when it comes to living with the level of integrity we need. As I have recently been studying Matthew 15:1-20 (Click on the link to read scripture), I see Jesus raising some questions for us that can help us align the affections of our heart with His.
1) Does your integrity stand the test of delegations? Here, a delegation is sent to check Jesus out (vs.1). They are trying to discredit him by saying he is without integrity. This is not the first delegation Jesus has faced, but he can withstand all their accusations because he lives with integrity. If someone were to question your integrity somewhere, what would they find?
2) Is your integrity based on God’s word? Jesus doesn’t answer their question, but it raises the issue of authority—Your tradition Vs. God says (vs.3) that He is highlighting to them that their traditions have become more important than God’s. Integrity should always be founded on what God said is true.
3) What are some of the inputs you are putting into your life doing to your heart? Jesus explained to the gathered that defilement is not an external matter but an internal one (vs10/11). To live with integrity, we must monitor the ‘inputs’ that enter our lives. What are you watching, clicking on, reading? Whose voice is speaking the loudest to you?
4) Do those you are following know where they are going? We all follow someone. The teaching of the Pharisees will eventually be uprooted (13), and thus, we’d be silly to follow, listen, or regard their teaching. To do so is like the blind leading the blind (14). A way to determine a truthful teacher is to look at their motives. Is it for the glory of God? For integrity to be built, it is essential to follow someone who can see where they are going!
5) Have you stopped recently to reflect on your level of integrity? Peter struggles to understand what Jesus is talking about and asks for clarification. It was vital that Peter fully understood this issue because he would have to speak to it later in his ministry (Acts 10:9-15). Integrity always involves more understanding (vs. 15). What good questions do you need to ask of yourself and others?
6) Is your integrity growing stronger? The phrase “still without understanding” (vs16) seems to insinuate that integrity growth is a process. Is your integrity getting stronger? Is it starting to dominate your character? It has become more about who you are.
Integrity makes a difference – in the world and before God. As you ask yourself these questions, answer them honestly, praying that God will make you a person of greater character. Live with integrity.
There are three things that I believe passionately about integrity;
- Integrity is about our outside actions reflecting our inside affections.
- The internal affection and posture of our heart are the drivers of our external behavior. Therefore, becoming people of integrity is more about heart transformation than behavioral adjustment.
- To have integrity before God the affections and posture of our heart must value what He values.
We all have a long way to go when it comes to living with the level of integrity we need. As I have recently been studying Matthew 15:1-20 (Click on the link to read scripture), I see Jesus raising some questions for us that can help us align the affections of our heart with His.
1) Does your integrity stand the test of delegations? Here, a delegation is sent to check Jesus out (vs.1). They are trying to discredit him by saying he is without integrity. This is not the first delegation Jesus has faced, but he can withstand all their accusations because he lives with integrity. If someone were to question your integrity somewhere, what would they find?
2) Is your integrity based on God’s word? Jesus doesn’t answer their question, but it raises the issue of authority—Your tradition Vs. God says (vs.3) that He is highlighting to them that their traditions have become more important than God’s. Integrity should always be founded on what God said is true.
3) What are some of the inputs you are putting into your life doing to your heart? Jesus explained to the gathered that defilement is not an external matter but an internal one (vs10/11). To live with integrity, we must monitor the ‘inputs’ that enter our lives. What are you watching, clicking on, reading? Whose voice is speaking the loudest to you?
4) Do those you are following know where they are going? We all follow someone. The teaching of the Pharisees will eventually be uprooted (13), and thus, we’d be silly to follow, listen, or regard their teaching. To do so is like the blind leading the blind (14). A way to determine a truthful teacher is to look at their motives. Is it for the glory of God? For integrity to be built, it is essential to follow someone who can see where they are going!
5) Have you stopped recently to reflect on your level of integrity? Peter struggles to understand what Jesus is talking about and asks for clarification. It was vital that Peter fully understood this issue because he would have to speak to it later in his ministry (Acts 10:9-15). Integrity always involves more understanding (vs. 15). What good questions do you need to ask of yourself and others?
6) Is your integrity growing stronger? The phrase “still without understanding” (vs16) seems to insinuate that integrity growth is a process. Is your integrity getting stronger? Is it starting to dominate your character? It has become more about who you are.
Integrity makes a difference – in the world and before God. As you ask yourself these questions, answer them honestly, praying that God will make you a person of greater character. Live with integrity.
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