INTEGRITY He who walks with integrity walks securely

INTEGRITY He who walks with integrity walks securely, But he who perverts his ways will become known. Prov. 10: 9 (NKJV)

INTEGRITY • What does Integrity mean?

INTEGRITY • The Webster's Dictionary explains the meaning of integrity as: • Firm adherence to a code of especially moral or artistic values. • An unimpaired condition: soundness. • The quality or state of being complete or undivided: completeness. It comes from the root word, 'entire'.

INTEGRITY • God Himself, Who created all things, adheres perfectly and completely to all the moral codes and laws that He has created. • There is no impaired condition with God. He is complete and undivided. There is no question regarding God's integrity. • Moses, speaking of God's character, in Deuteronomy 32: 3 -4 writes, "Ascribe greatness to our God. He is the Rock, His work is perfect; For all His ways are justice, a God of truth and without injustice; righteous and upright is He. "

INTEGRITY • Because God is a God of integrity, surely we who profess to follow Him should also walk in integrity. It should be a high priority. • A man's word should be his bond. There was a time when a handshake was considered a binding agreement. Not so any longer. • These days, even a man's signature does not count for much. If someone is clever enough, many can get away with broken promises.

INTEGRITY • What are some things (attributes) that makes someone trustworthy?

INTEGRITY • The integrity that God approves has nothing to do with wealth, education, brilliance of mind, outward appearance, or social standing. • It is all about the deep, inner core of godly character. • Integrity is not an occasional accident of honesty that comes from a sudden brain wave. • True integrity has only one place in which to dwell, and this is the deep inner core of the human being, the place called the heart.

INTEGRITY • Integrity and faithfulness go hand in hand. • Integrity is heart honesty. • Faithfulness is sticking to your word, no matter what may come your way. • It is not enough to only admire the virtues of integrity. We must personally embrace it and possess it.

INTEGRITY • In the scripture who are some people that you thought showed integrity? • Group #1: Abimelech-Gen. 20: 5 -6 • Group # 2: Joseph- Gen. 39: 4 -20 • Group #3: Moses/Jethro-Ex. 18: 15 -26 • Group #4: David- I Sam. 26: 1 -12 & I Kings 9: 1 -7 • Group#5: Job 2: 3 -10 & Job 4: 1 -6 & Job 27: 1 -6 • Group #6: Job 31: 4 -8 & Job. 42: 7 -10

INTEGRITY Abimelech-Integrity was the focal point in Abimelech's life-threatening dream because of taking Sarah, Abraham's wife. Abimelech pleaded, "In the integrity of my heart and innocence of my hands I have done this. " God, the judge of all integrity quickly responds, "Yes, I know that you did this in the integrity of your heart. For I also withheld you from sinning against me; therefore I did not let you touch her" (Genesis 20: 3 -6 ). • Abimelech's integrity was not some “spur of the moment, ” “out of the blue” incident.

INTEGRITY David-May God save us from losing our integrity because of fear. • God appeared to Solomon and challenged him to walk before Him as his father David had walked, "in integrity of heart" (1 Kings 9: 4 ). • Fear the Lord and judge with integrity, for the Lord our God does not tolerate perverted justice, partiality, or the taking of bribes. ” II Chron. 19: 7

INTEGRITY Joseph-The world desperately needs men who will speak the truth, no matter what the cost. Integrity has a lot to do with holding high moral standards. • It is moral godliness. It is all about trust-worthiness. • Everyone needs someone in their life they can trust. Who will be true to their word and not tell your business. • A person of integrity can be respected and honored.

INTEGRITY Moses-Jethro (Moses’ father-in –law) shared: • …. you need to keep a sharp eye out for competent men—men who fear God, men of integrity, men who are incorruptible—and appoint them as leaders over groups organized by the thousand, by the hundred, by fifty, and by ten. They’ll be responsible for the everyday work of judging among the people.

INTEGRITY JOB-HOLD FAST YOUR INTEGRITY! • Job confesses, "Till I die I will not put away my integrity from me" (Job 27: 5 ). • What a powerful declaration to come from a man who was suffering such a vicious attack from Satan. • God himself testifies about Job to Satan, "Have you considered my servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, one who fears God and shuns evil" And still he holds fast to his integrity, although you incited me against him to destroy him without cause? “ Job 2: 3.

INTEGRITY IS A PROTECTION: • Integrity is one of the great preservatives for the peril of our times. • Psalm 25: 21 , "Let integrity and uprightness preserve me. "

INTEGRITY • The integrity of the upright will guide them, But the perversity of the unfaithful will destroy them. Prov. 11: 3 (NKJV) • The righteous man walks in his integrity; His children are blessed after him. Prov. 20: 7 (NKJV) • in all things showing yourself to be a pattern of good works; in doctrine showing integrity, reverence, incorruptibility, Titus 2: 7 (NKJV) • Assign me Godliness and Integrity as my bodyguards, for I expect you to protect me Ps. 25: 21 (TLB)

INTEGRITY • It can be tempting to compromise our integrity, even just a little. (e. g. cheat on that test, take the extra change that the cashier over paid you, talk bad about someone that you say is your friend etc. ) • There are multiple ways we can compromise our integrity every day • We live in a society where compromise is considered a normal way of living (e. g. reality shows- basketball wives; the real housewives of Atlanta etc. .

INTEGRITY • If you have to compromise, even a little, make sure it is not your integrity. • Do not throw integrity to the wind, no matter what you may have to lose to maintain it. • Your integrity protects you. • If you have let your integrity slip, its not too late to repent. • Ask forgiveness, and pick it up again. Let God’s word be hid in your heart so you won’t sin against Him.

• On Next Wed. 10/14/15 -Bible Study-William’s Temple COGIC, 7 pm • On 10/21/15 -How To Reach Your Full Potential St. John 15: 1 -17 & Eph. 3: 20 I

References • Integrity! Without Integrity A Man Cannot Be Trusted! By Colin Campbell