WALKING WITH INTEGRITY
In a world of shifting values and often contradictory messages, men who walk with integrity are becoming increasingly rare. Friends often speak one way but act differently. Leaders make commitments they have no intention of keeping. The words and actions of many public figures do not align with their proclaimed values. Where can we find men whose lives are completely whole, whose hearts, minds, and actions are aligned with integrity? Are there still men who truly walk in integrity?
As Christian men, we are called to be Christ’s disciples on this earth. There’s a big difference between Christ’s followers and Christ’s disciples. A follower likes to listen to great teachings and sermons but rarely puts them into practice. A follower follows only for the benefits. However, a disciple is someone who follows even when it hurts. A disciple is someone who doesn’t just follow but allows Christ to direct and transform their entire being to become more like Him.
Integrity is the result of God’s work in us. In the Old Testament, the Hebrew word translated as “integrity” means “the condition of being without blemish, completeness, perfection, sincerity, soundness, uprightness, and wholeness.” In the New Testament, integrity refers to “honesty and adherence to a pattern of good works.”
Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but whoever takes crooked paths will be found out.
(Proverbs 10:9 NIV)
Walking with integrity as a Christian doesn’t mean we have to be perfect; no one is perfect except Jesus. Walking with integrity simply means staying true to the principles of faith while navigating everyday life. It involves reflecting the teachings of Jesus Christ in both the private and public aspects of our lives.
A man who lives with nothing to hide, with no double life, but lives with integrity can walk securely and boldly. There is no anxiety from the fear of having his sins and compromises discovered.
How can we walk with integrity as Christians?
1. UNDERSTAND AND EMBRACE OUR IDENTITY IN CHRIST
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come:
The old has gone, the new is here!
(2 Corinthians 5:17 NIV)
Living and walking with integrity begins with a clear understanding of who we are in Christ. Our identity is rooted in our relationship with Him. We must first look to the Lord, who is not only our example of integrity but also the one who empowers us to live honest, upright lives. We must look to God’s Word, which keeps us grounded in the truth and provides practical guidance on what integrity looks like in daily life. We should immerse ourselves in Scripture, prayer, and worship, as this spiritual foundation will guide our actions and decisions.
2. MAKE A DECISION BEFOREHAND IN YOUR HEART
But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself…
(Daniel 1:8 NKJV)
Daniel illustrated how to conquer a difficult trial. The Bible says that Daniel “purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself.” In other words, he decided beforehand that he would walk with integrity. Daniel made up his mind beforehand that he would not compromise. He would not allow anything in this world to rob him of or pollute his relationship with God.
We must make a decision just like Daniel did. We must decide beforehand that whatever we do in this world, we will do it without conforming to the world or the culture we are in, and we will walk with integrity no matter what.
Once we have established a spiritual foundation to guide us—by knowing who we are in Christ and by deciding in our hearts that, regardless of our conditions or circumstances, we will not conform to the pattern of this world (Romans 12:2)—it is time for us to start walking with integrity through God’s power.
The integrity of the upright will guide them…
(Proverbs 11:3a NIV)
Source: Jerry Ruslim (Global Men Coordinator)
