by Ray Burow

Created on: February 09, 2010   Last Updated: July 16, 2010

If you are claiming to be a Christ follower and are not living a life which exemplifies integrity,  you are fooling yourself. It is quite possible you are not a Christian at all. If you find this harshly offensive allow me to quickly explain. This position did not originate from this writer. The book of I John describes the Christian as one who ‘walks in the light, as He is in the light.’ ( I John 1:7) Since God is light, we are liars if we say we have fellowship with Him and continue to walk in spiritual darkness. (I John 1:1-6) The passage goes on to say, if you live this way, you are “not living in truth.”

Lack of integrity falls under the category of spiritual darkness. Why? Because, Christ followers are to demonstrate the characteristics of Christ. Christ was truth personified. He claimed to be ‘the truth’. He is the truth and those who walk in Him, walk in truth. Honesty and truthfulness is the bedrock of integrity. (John 14:6)

The words 'Christian' , and 'integrity' ought to be synonymous. If your neighbor is not a Christian, but the neighborhood values his integrity over yours, there is something wrong. Not that unbelievers are untruthful. It is possible, perhaps not consistently, but entirely possible for an unbeliever to live a life of integrity. However, it is the Christ follower who has a mandate to live honorably. Since Christians represent Christ, a lack of integrity hurts His name and cause. If you are a Christian,  place integrity high on your priority list. Follow Christ’s example by exhibiting integrity in your family life and throughout your community. The following suggestions may assist you in the day to day process of pursuing integrity.

• Live obediently

Belonging to Christ, you are exhorted from scripture, to obey His commandments. Christians prove their love for Christ as they live their lives as Christ lived His. (I John 2:3-6) For example; Christ always told the truth, served others, and loved unconditionally. Christ is the God of the universe, the Savior of the world, the King of Heaven. He set aside His glory to serve the unlovely and undeserved. Remember how he washed the disciples dirty feet? Wash your neighbors feet (in a manner of speaking). Live out your life in such a way that Christ is seen through your servant-hood. Do this expecting nothing in return.

• Live courageously.

Living a life of integrity is not always easy. It may cost you something. Nevertheless,

• 1
• 2
• 3
• 4
• Next Page >>