The Value of Integrity
Integrity is the currency of a healthy relationship, but only among those who value it. It is the fruit of a morally upright heart that practices honesty, loyalty, and justice (Psa 15:1-5; Prov 19:1; 28:6; Mic 6:8). Without integrity, trust is compromised, communication suffers, and the stability of the relationship is jeopardized. Duplicity stands in stark contrast to integrity. While integrity involves honesty, loyalty, and adherence to moral principles, duplicity embodies deceit, unfaithfulness, and self-interest above the interests of others. Immoral people care nothing for integrity; therefore, they cannot be trusted.[1]
A biblical example of integrity is the account of Joseph and Potiphar’s wife (Gen 39:1-23). Joseph, who had been sold into slavery by his brothers (Gen 37:23-28), found favor in the eyes of Potiphar, an Egyptian officer, and was put in charge of all his household affairs (Gen 39:1-6). The Bible describes Joseph as handsome and well-built, which caught the attention of Potiphar’s wife. She repeatedly tried to seduce him, saying, “Come to bed with me!” (Gen 39:7). However, Joseph refused her advances, demonstrating his integrity. He responded, “My master has withheld nothing from me except you, because you are his wife. How then could I do such a wicked thing and sin against God?” (Gen 39:9). Joseph recognized that committing adultery would not only betray his master’s trust but also be a grievous sin against God.
Despite his firm stance, Potiphar’s wife persisted. One day, when Joseph was alone in the house, she grabbed him by his cloak and again tried to seduce him. Joseph fled, leaving his cloak behind (Gen 39:12). Angered by his rejection, Potiphar’s wife falsely accused Joseph of trying to assault her, leading to his imprisonment. Even though Joseph’s integrity resulted in unjust punishment, God was with him, and he eventually rose to prominence in Egypt, becoming second in command to Pharaoh (Gen 41:39-41). His faithfulness and integrity not only preserved his character but also positioned him to save his family and many others during a severe famine. Joseph’s story illustrates the importance of maintaining integrity, even when faced with temptation and the potential for severe consequences. His commitment to doing what was right in God’s eyes, despite the personal cost, serves as a powerful example of godly character.
Faithfulness to keep a promise is a measure of one’s integrity. God has integrity, which means He is honest and always speaks truth (Num 23:19; cf. 1 Sam 15:29), He desires our best (Rom 8:28), and is faithful to keep His promises (1 Th 5:24; 2 Tim 2:13). As Christians, God calls us to “speak the truth in love” (Eph 4:15), “to love one another” (1 Th 4:9), and to manifest the fruit of “faithfulness” (Gal 5:23). Such qualities are the fruit of a heart that is filled with God’s Word and a desire to live by faith.
Christian integrity involves the consistent application of God’s Word to every aspect of life, reflecting the character of Christ. It is not merely about moral behavior but about having an internalized system of divine viewpoint thinking that guides one’s decisions, actions, and attitudes. This integrity is maintained through the filling of the Holy Spirit, a focus on learning and applying God’s Word, and living in accordance with God’s plan.
Having Christian integrity does not mean we become sinless. As Christians, we still possess our fallen natures, live in a fallen world, and face temptations and attacks from various sources that seek to undermine our walk with God. Even the godliest of saints, such as Moses, David, Peter, and John, committed sin. The reality is that there will be times when we fail to model integrity, when we fail to keep our word—both to the Lord and to others. However, relapse does not have to mean collapse, for if there is humility, we can come before God’s “throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need” (Hebrews 4:16). If we confess our sins to Him, “He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9). God desires that we model integrity so that our character and life align with His righteous standards as revealed in Scripture. Developing godly integrity is the pursuit of a lifetime, requiring us to make moment-by-moment choices to submit ourselves to God, to learn and live His Word, to be honest with others, to speak the truth in love, and to keep our promises to others, even when the cost is great. As Christians who desire to serve the Lord, may we rise to pursue such an honorable life, for God’s glory and the benefit of others.
Dr. Steven R. Cook
[1] When integrity is present, it fosters trust and creates a safe environment. This trust, in turn, strengthens the bond between people, allowing the relationship to thrive. Integrity ensures that promises are kept, actions are reliable, and intentions are pure, making it essential for the long-term health and growth of any relationship.