There are two definitions of the word ‘integrity’. The first is having good morals and principles. The word ‘integrity’ comes from the word ‘integer’ which means whole, so it can also mean being whole or undivided. Both of these definitions can apply to our lives as Christians. Not only do we need to live with godly principles, we also need to be acting the same, or undivided, in every situation. This means that the way we behave in public will be the same as in private. It means that the person we are with our friends is also the person we are with our family. We can’t act holy at church and then act however we want everywhere else. Living a double life will eventually end badly, and we’ll be found out. The Bible says: ‘Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but whoever takes crooked paths will be found out’ (Proverbs 10:9 NIV). So if we want to test the depth of our integrity, there are some questions we can ask ourselves: How transparent are we with others? How well do we treat people that can’t give us anything in return? Do we act differently depending on who we’re with? Do we put others ahead of our own personal agenda? Do we love people and use things, or love things and use people? Do we make difficult decisions even when it costs us personally? When we have something to say about somebody, do we talk to them or talk about them? Are we accountable to anybody other than ourselves? Paul said: ‘We are trying hard to do what the Lord accepts as right and also what people think is right.’ Can we say the same about our lives?

What Now?

Take some time to consider the questions in the reading and pray about your answers. You might want to write them down, so you can reflect on them and see if there are any ways you could deepen your integrity.