1) An unimpaired condition: SOUNDNESS; 2) Adherance to a code of moral, artistic, or other values; 3) the quality or state of being complete or undivided: COMPLETENESS.
In very basic terms, integrity is doing what you say you will do when you say you will do it. It is standing up for what you believe is right no matter what the circumstances may be. A person of integrity does not waver. A person of integrity is steadfast. Although we often hear stories of men and women of great integrity, I submit to you that our God is the quintessential example of integrity.
"All scripture is God-breathed and useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness." 2 Timothy 3:16
God's word is his integrity. If we are to believe this, we must first acknowledge that The Bible is inspired and infallible. (2 Peter 1:20-21; 2 Timothy 3:16) Earlier this week I was talking to my mom about a bible study presentation she was giving at her church. When I mentioned starting with the premise that the bible is the inspired, infallible word of God, she said, "Oh, I think they all know that. It's too basic."
But is it?
I know that it is a statement that most evangelical Protestant churches list at the top of their statement of faith. But, I am not sure that we really believe it. At least we don't often live like we believe it. Because if we truly believe that the Bible is free from error, and fully inspired by God, then why do we have such a difficult time believing God for the things he promises to us in his word? The bible is full of examples of where God honored his word. In fact, he says that he places his word above his name! That's a pretty powerful statement.
Throughout history, God has shown himself faithful to his word. Lets consider a few prime examples:
In Genesis 2:16-17 he told Adam and Eve, "Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat: But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die." Although the serpent convinced them that they "would not surely die", God remained faithful to his word. As it is written in Romans 5:12 "...through one man sin entered into the world, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men..."
Perhaps one of the most memorable promises or covenants God made was with Abraham. In Genesis chapter 14-17 God promises to make Abraham the father of many nations. God said to him, "Look toward the heavens and count the stars, if you are able to count them." And then he said, "So shall your descendants be." (Genesis 15:5-6) We know that God honored that promise by giving life to Sarah's womb and blessing them with a son, Isaac. In fact, the Bible says in Galatians 3:29 that all who belong to Christ, both Jew and Gentile, are Abraham's descendants, and "heirs according to the promise."
In Isaiah, the coming of the messiah is prophesied. It is later fulfilled in the life of Jesus Christ, the one who would save the people from their sins and deliver us from the curse of the law. Thank goodness for the faithful integrity of our creator!
Shortly before Jesus is crucified he makes another incredible promise. In John 2:19 he tells a group of unbeliving Jews, "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up." Of course, they were astonished. They mocked him saying, "It took forty-six years to build this temple, and in three days you will raise it up?" Little did they know he was talking about the temple of his body. Once again, God's integrity could not fail.
Finally, we know that Jesus promised his disciples that he would not leave them alone. He promised to send a comforter. (John 14:6) This promise is realized on the day of Pentecost when the holy spirit came upon them in the upper room and equipped them for the ministry God had called them to.
These are just a few examples of how God has honored his word throughout history. There are countless others. So, won't you decide today to believe God? He has promised us so much if we will only be as Abraham was, being "fully assured" that what God promises, he is "able to perform." (Romans 4:21)
God isn't a genie in a bottle or an ATM machine. He doesn't always cater to our every whim. He loves us far to much to do that. But, he wants us to come to him in prayer, allowing his desires to become our desires. If we do that, and seek him above all things, he promises to bless us with spiritual blessings beyond measure.
Do you need to experience God's peace? His forgiveness? I don't know the problems you are facing today, but I do know that God is greater than any problem we have. Reach out to him. I promise he will not disappoint you. His integrity depends on it.
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