Six Ways to Maintain Integrity

In review of 2 Corinthians 4:2 it says, “We refuse to wear masks and play games. We don’t maneuver and manipulate behind the scenes. And we don’t twist God’s Word to suit ourselves. Rather, we keep everything we do and say out in the open” (The Message).

In today’s verse from 2 Corinthians 4:2 Paul tells me to refuse to wear masks and play games. Don’t maneuver and manipulate behind the scenes. And don’t twist God’s Word to suit yourself. Rather, keep everything I do and say out in the open

In this verse Paul condemned those who twist God's Word. Preachers, teachers, and anyone else who talks about Jesus Christ must remember that they stand in God's presence, he hears every word. Many Christian ministers and leaders will twist Scripture in their attempt to motivate audiences. Others will take Scripture out of context to promote their own views. When I tell people about Christ, be careful to not distort the message to please my audience. Simply proclaim the truth of God's Word.

Integrity demands that every area of my life is treated with the same intensity. I need to have the same commitment to excellence in my marriage as I do in my career. I have the same commitment to excellence in ministry as I do in my parenting.

Here are six things I need to pursue integrity:

1. Keeping my promises. A person of integrity will keep their word. If they say they’ll do it, they do it. If they say they’ll be there, they show up. The Bible says in Proverbs 25:14, “People who promise things that they never give are like clouds and wind that bring no rain” (GNT).

2. Paying my bills.

I can admit that there have been times in my life that I don’t think this is a big deal, but it’s a big deal to God. Am I spending more money than I make? That is a lack of integrity. Do I get myself in debt for things that I can’t pay off? That is a lack of integrity. Psalm 37:21 says, “The wicked borrow and never pay back” (GNT).

3. Refusing to gossip.

God is looking for men and women of integrity who know how to keep a secret and not pass it around on social media. Don’t talk about people behind their back. Don’t even listen to gossip! “A . . . gossip can’t be trusted with a secret, but someone of integrity won’t violate a confidence” (Proverbs 11:13 The Message).

4. Tithing faithfully.

Wherever I put my money first is what’s most important to me. Malachi 3:8-10 says, “Is it right for a person to cheat God? Of course not, yet you are cheating me. ‘How?’ you ask. In the matter of tithes and offerings. . . . Bring the full amount of your tithes to the Temple . . . Put me to the test and you will see that I will open the windows of heaven and pour out on you in abundance all kinds of good things” (GNT).

5. Doing my best at work.

The Bible says in Colossians 3:23, “Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people” (NLT). My real boss is God, and whether or not anybody else sees my work, God does.

6. Being real with others.

A person of integrity doesn’t act one way in church and another way at work and another way with friends. “We refuse to wear masks and play games. We don’t maneuver and manipulate behind the scenes. And we don’t twist God’s Word to suit ourselves. Rather, we keep everything we do and say out in the open” (2 Corinthians 4:2 The Message).

Bottom Line:

Refuse to put on a false front, maneuver, manipulate or twist God Word to suit yourself. Instead be truthful and keep everything out in the open.

What this means to me:

I should avoid putting on a false front and playing games. I should not maneuver and manipulate things behind the scenes. And never should I twist or distort God’s Word in order to suit my motives and desires. I strive to keep everything I do and say out in the open and truthful.

In summary, I need to refuse to put on a false front, avoid maneuvering or manipulating things. Never twist God's Word to suit my needs. Remember that God sees and hears everything. To pursue integrity in my life I need to: Keep my promises, pay my bills, refuse to gossip, tithe faithfully, do my best at work, and be real with everyone.

I want to thank you Father for another day to live in the world. I truly want to live a life of integrity and make a difference in the lives of others. I pray this morning for your guidance and wisdom to do so. Help remind me of the six things to pursue integrity for my life. I also ask for your guidance and wisdom and reminders from the Holy Spirit to in how I respond to those around me. Allow me be think about being loving and helpful regardless of their attitude or my perceived perspective about them. These things I pray in your Son Jesus Christ name, amen!