MEMORY VERSE: “The integrity of the upright shall guide them: but the perverseness or transgressors shall destroy them.” Proverbs 11:3.
BIBLE PASSAGE: Proverbs 11:1-6.
INTRODUCTION
Integrity comes from the Latin word “Integritas” which means Wholeness, entireness or unbroken state. It is the state of being honest, just, upright or pure. Integrity covers the whole moral character. It is one of the dire needs of every believer and the society at large.
OUTLINE
- ANATOMY OF INTEGRITY
- INTEGRITY KILLERS
- ANATOMY OF INTEGRITY
Integrity is a personality trait that does not make a person to waiver when it comes to accountability for anything they have the oversight over. Isaiah 33:15. It provides an avenue to demonstrate our reliability to all 1 Samuel 12:3-4. People of integrity honour commitments and keep promises Joshua 2:12-14; 6:22-23; they recognise their fallibility; take responsibility for failures and try to rectify their mistakes Genesis 26:9- 11; they are also naturally consistent in every area of life Luke 16:10.
The Bible has records of people who exhibited integrity. They include Abimelech, the King of Gerar Genesis 20:3-7, Joseph Genesis 47:14, Samuel 1 Samuel 12:3-4, King David 1 Kings 9:4, Job the man who God complimented Job 2:3, 9-10. Apostle Paul Acts 20:33-34 and our Lord Jesus Christ John 14:30.
2. INTEGRITY KILLERS
1. The quick-fix mentality for worldly gains 2 Kings 5:20-23.
2. Preoccupation with gratifying desires of our human nature resulting in lust 1 John 2:16-17.
3. Crave for material wealth at the expense of loyalty Matthew 26:14-16.
4. Inability to maintain a consistent stand on an issue Galatians 2:11-14.
5. Misappropriation of God’s mercy and grace as an excuse for careless living and moral laxity Romans 6:1-2.
CONCLUSION
Integrity keeps us from claiming to be upright while living in pretence Genesis 39:9.
FURTHER READING
Sun: Psalm 26:11.
Mon: Proverbs 20:7.
Tues: Job 31:6.
Wed: Romans 6:1.
Thurs: Acts 8:20.
Fri: 2 Corinthians 7:2.
Sat: Job 27:5.