Introductory Thoughts
Men used to be commended for their level of integrity and one's handshake was considered a man’s bond. As societies continue to crumble from the pollution of immorality, men of integrity are quickly disappearing. Unfortunately, churches seem far from immune to this moral decline. What is integrity? In a narrow sense, integrity as used in scripture can be difficult to pinpoint. The word integrity occurs sixteen times in scripture. By considering each occurrence, one can discover clues that provide insight as to its meaning. Integrity is contrasted with the words like perverse (Proverbs 19:1) and perverseness (Proverbs 11:3). Conversely, integrity is used in conjunction with words like upright (Job 2:3; Proverbs 11:3) and uprightness (1 Kings 9:4; Psalm 25:21). In our passage, the word integrity is used alongside the word innocency (Genesis 20:5). These facts would lead the believer to realize that integrity speaks of a moral purity and moral correctness.
Devotional Thoughts
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(For children): David said,"I will behave myself wisely in a perfect way" (Psalm 101:2). The Lord wants what we say and do to be correct and right at all times.
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(For everyone): If integrity has to do with being morally correct, why is this so very important to us as followers of Christ? What are some instances that showed the Lord Jesus demonstrating integrity while on earth?
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Would people be more likely to describe you as perverse or innocent? How could you change the way people think of you if their view of you is not in accordance with the Bible standards?
Prayer Thoughts
- Ask the Lord to do a work of purification within your heart.
- Ask God to show you the sinfulness of your heart.
Song
Jesus, I My Cross Have Taken
