Exposition

The word integrity comes from the same Latin root as “integer” and implies the wholeness of a person. A person of integrity is the same person in private that he or she is in public. Integrity implies incorruptibility. Christians should be people who cannot be bribed or compromised because they serve God rather than men. Living withintegrity in a world where the corrupt seem favoured is challenging. Lack of integrity is the root cause of corruption. Integrity is exuded in honesty and consistency in doing the “right” thing according to Christian values, beliefs, and principles, even when no one is watching.

Corruption is corrosive and, if not dealt with, corrodes the very fabric of our society of every good virtue. Christians should be like Samuel who boldly declared “Who have I oppressed or from whose hand have I received any bribe with which to blind my eyes?” as we read from the scriptures today. At the end of it all, can Christians present themselves as people of integrity? Lying has become an integral part of global culture. People lie and do not even think about it. For you to overcome and become a person of integrity and eschew corruption, you must make a deliberate plan and effort to be a person of integrity. It does not happen overnight. It’s a continuous process with conscious daily living. Integrity is essential for the person who claims Christ as the Lord of their lives. You are representing Him who is living in you! Your character and integrity should support your success, not undermine it.