Exposition
According to the Cambridge Advanced Learner’s Dictionary, integrity is “the quality of being whole and complete.” Another definition of integrity is “the quality of being honest and having strong moral principles that you refuse to change.” Back in basic school, we were given assignments in mathematics and other subjects with the caption, “Pick the odd one out.” The focus of these assignments was to identify the object which was out of place among the lot. Another word which is used interchangeably with the word integrity is blameless.
To be blameless is to be described as having no fault or reason for accusation. Integrity, instead of being the norm, has become the odd one. In Daniel’s time, the 120 satraps and other administrators ganged up against him because he was a man of integrity (the odd one). The story of Daniel is a challenge to every believer. Daniel was not bothered about what others said of him, so long as what he was doing was right in the sight of God. Daniel was described as honest, faithful and one who did everything he was supposed to do (he wasn’t negligent). In Samuel’s farewell speech, he was able to stand before the people as a leader who had strong moral principles and refused to compromise irrespective of the situation at hand. The people of Israel admitted that he was a man of integrity.
God’s standards for our lives are high and He expects us to meet them perfectly well. God requires that the church will be full of men and women of integrity. As an ambassador of God, you must demonstrate a high level of integrity in everything you do, knowing that you are representing God on earth. You must not preach virtue while practising vice. Your words and deeds must give glory to God.