Integrity

Integrity means “sound, complete and integrated”. To the extent that a person’s ethics and morality are integrated, that person has integrity. Conversely, to the extent that a person’s ethics and morality are not integrated, that person lacks integrity. So, what are ethics and morality? Ethics refers to a standard of right and wrong, good and evil – what you believe is right. Morality is living that standard of right and wrong, good and evil – what you actually do.

Joseph is probably one of the greatest examples of godly character and integrity in scripture. His account starts at the age of about 17 when he received dreams from God, telling him of the purpose and plan of God for his life (Genesis 37:6-7).

Integrity and purpose are interlinked. Through his God given dreams, Joseph knew the will of God for his life. Focussing on his purpose enabled him to resist temptation and not lose hope when facing difficulties.

Paul gives us an instruction to be wise in knowing the will of the Lord:

                     Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is.

                                                                                                    Ephesians 5:17 (NKJV)

We may not always know the detailed will of God specifically for our own lives, but God’s general will is recorded in the Bible. God given direction normally comes when you are doing something. So, if you find you are in a situation where you don’t know what to do, volunteer for something. Get involved. Do something and you will find God directs your paths.

          Where there is no revelation, the people cast off restraint: But happy is he who keeps the law.

                                                                                                                            Proverbs 29:18 (NKJV)

Joseph knew the will of God for his life through the visions and dreams God had given him. Even when he was sold as a slave by his own brothers, the revelation God had given him enabled him not to, as Proverbs 29:18 says, cast off restraint, or, as the KJV says, to perish.

The Lord was with Joseph and he was a successful man; and he was in the house of his master the Egyptian.

                                                                                                                                              Genesis 39:2 (NKJV)

The word used here for successful is the Hebrew word ‘tsalah’ which can also be translated ‘to prosper’. So what did Joseph have that caused him to be successful and to prosper? Integrity! He knew what God had told him and he both believed it and acted on it. He did not own anything, he was a slave, but God caused him to prosper. God wants us to be successful and to prosper in what we do.

And you shall remember the Lord your God, for it is He who gives you power to get wealth, that He may establish His covenant which He swore to your fathers, as it is this day.

                                                                                                   Deuteronomy 8:18 (NKJV)

In order to be successful, it is important that we know the will of God in basic areas, such as salvation, forgiveness, redemption, healing, finances and our identity in Christ. When we are living with our focus on God and His will for our lives, we are able to walk with integrity and we will prosper.

Joseph did not compromise his integrity, even when being coerced by Potiphar’s wife.

There is no one greater in this house than I, nor has he kept back anything from me but you, because you are his wife. How then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?

                                                                                                             Genesis 39:9 (NKJV)

We often pander to our emotions and feelings. Developing integrity in our life by the power of the Holy Spirit causes us to stand firm in what seem to be impossible situations. Joseph’s integrity sent him to prison, but even in prison Joseph did not lose heart and when the opportunity arose he used his God given abilities. It was another two years before Joseph was brought before Pharaoh but finally Joseph’s dream became real and in so doing he was able to save many lives from famine.

Can you imagine if Joseph had compromised his integrity? He would not have fulfilled the purpose of God for his life and, in his case, thousands of people would have died.

And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.

                                                                                  Galatians 6:9 (NKJV)

Many Christians give up when hard situations come along, but we all have a calling and purpose in God. Working on our integrity is important for us to fulfil that calling.

Let’s walk with integrity – not only being hearers and believers of the truth but also putting that truth into action in our daily lives. Let every decision we make be based upon the beliefs in our hearts rather than our emotions and feelings!