HOW CAN WE WALK IN INTEGRITY TO HONOR GOD?
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“Integrity is doing the right thing, even when no one is watching.” – C.S. Lewis –
What does integrity look like? Jesus personified a life of integrity. His life was above reproach. He lived to glorify the Father. He laid down His life for the sins of all mankind. No one could find fault in Him throughout His time on earth… although many tried. His life was pure, flawless, perfect. For in Him there is no sin.
There is a biblical hero worthy of recognition who quietly lived a life of integrity. Joseph, husband of Mary, father of Jesus, will ever be remembered for his God-honoring, admirable character. His story is lovingly intertwined with Mary’s amazing story…
“God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin’s name was Mary.” – Luke 1:26-27
God commissions the angel Gabriel to deliver a most glorious message to Mary. This young woman will give birth to a child who will be called the Son of the Most High, whose kingdom will never end. Amazed, Mary wonders how this can possibly happen?
“The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God.” – Luke 1:35
When Joseph learns that Mary is expecting, he can only assume infidelity. How is he to proceed? For Joseph loves Mary, the one to whom he is betrothed.
In biblical times, a Jewish betrothal was a legally binding agreement… a pledge to marry, most often arranged by the parents. During the year-long betrothal time, the couple was referred to as husband and wife, yet lived separate from one another. At the end of a year’s time, a special wedding ceremony and feast was held with family and friends. Not until after the ceremony was the marriage consummated.
Being unfaithful during the betrothal time was considered adultery, punishable by stoning. To break the formal betrothal agreement required a certificate of divorce. Yet the law did not require the divorce to be made public… thereby saving the unfaithful one from shame.
“Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.” – Matthew 1:19
Joseph considers his options. As a man of integrity, he desires to respect Mary, yet also honor God and uphold the Jewish law. Staying true to his beliefs, while remaining dedicated to Mary, he follows his best path to quietly seek a certificate of divorce.
That night, an angel of the Lord appears to Joseph in a dream…
“Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give Him the name Jesus, because He will save His people from their sins.” – Matthew 1:20-21
What wondrous news! Joseph has now a new, God-ordained path to follow. He will keep Mary as his honored, betrothed wife (Matthew 1:24). He will respect her purity by not consummating their marriage until after she gives birth (Matthew 1:25). He will seek to care for and protect Mary and the holy Child she is carrying throughout their lives together.
God honors integrity. A life of integrity emanates from within… the working of the Holy Spirit. One’s beliefs and convictions, based on the truths of Scripture, are manifested in a godly, genuine, upstanding life. One’s words and actions match, revealing a purity of heart and intent.
In this snapshot of Joseph’s life, together with illumination from God’s Word, we discover…
Key Characteristics of a Life of Integrity:
“He stores up sound wisdom for the upright; He is a shield to those who walk with integrity.” – Proverbs 2:7
† Reverent of God – A life that glorifies God… that seeks to obey God, not man
“The integrity of the upright guides them, but the unfaithful are destroyed by their duplicity.” – Proverbs 11:3
† Authentic – A life that is honest, sincere, discerning… with no deceit or hypocrisy
“The righteousness of the blameless makes their paths straight, but the wicked are brought down by their own wickedness.” – Proverbs 11:5
† Virtuous – A life that is moral, righteous… with a public and private life that match
“Whoever walks in integrity will be delivered, but he who is crooked in his ways will suddenly fall.” – Proverbs 28:18
† Honorable – A life that acts justly… that treats others with grace and respect
“The Lord detests lying lips, but He delights in people who are trustworthy.” – Proverbs 12:22
† Loyal – A life that is faithful and dependable… that follows through on commitments
“Give careful thought to the paths for your feet and be steadfast in all your ways. Do not turn to the right or the left; keep your foot from evil.” – Proverbs 4:26-27
† Steadfast – A life that stands for the truth… not compromising beliefs and convictions
“The godly walk with integrity; blessed are their children who follow them.” – Proverbs 20:7
† Inspiring – A life that models integrity… that has kingdom impact with a godly legacy
