Integrity: The Righteous Standard

Our Daily Walk with Christ Devotional – April 22, 2024

“Now a man named Ananias, together with his wife Sapphira, also sold a piece of property. (2) With his wife’s full knowledge he kept back part of the money for himself, but brought the rest and put it at the apostles’ feet.”

“Then Peter said, ‘Ananias, how is it that Satan has so filled your heart that you have lied to the Holy Spirit and have kept for yourself some of the money you received for the land? (4) Didn’t it belong to you before it was sold? And after it was sold, wasn’t the money at your disposal? What made you think of doing such a thing? You have not lied just to human beings but to God.’ “

“When Ananias heard this, he fell down and died. And great fear seized all who heard what had happened. (6) Then some young men came forward, wrapped up his body, and carried him out and buried him.” —Acts 5:1-6

Integrity reveals righteousness. Believers live by God’s righteous standards—always speaking and acting according to the righteous moral and social laws given by God. The lack of integrity is a heart issue. It reveals that sin is ruling our hearts instead of the righteousness of Christ.

“When it comes to human integrity, the Apostle Paul, quoting from various Psalms says, “There is no one righteous, not even one….for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:11-23), so the opposite of righteousness is sin. As much as this word is avoided, and even hated today, the truth is that lack of integrity is not merely an issue of behaviour that can be improved…”(Cross Current).

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.” —Proverbs 3:5-6

Many years ago, I was hired for a nursing management position in one of the best nursing homes. After many years of clinical nursing, I was very excited that God blessed me with the opportunity to develop my skills. When I was introduced to the Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs), all but one welcomed me. One of my responsibilities was to make supervisory rounds to assess staff challenges while rendering resident care. As I slowly opened the door to *Mr. Smith’s room, I witnessed an act of horror—the CNA slapped the patient’s face in response to his combative behavior. The CNA was unaware that I had entered the room until the patient cried out, “Miss help me, she hit me in the face.” She let go of his arm, turned to me, and stated, “I did not hit him! He hit me!” My response was, “Yes, you did slap his face!” As I turned to leave, she immediately followed me and without remorse stated, “I have five children to support.”

The Outcome: I reported the incident to my Director who informed the Administrator. Not all of the state agency’s protocol was followed, yes the CNA was reported to the State Department responsible for Certification, but the facility’s responsibility to file criminal charges for assault and battery was not carried out [a decision by the home’s administrator]. The reason given was to protect the facility’s reputation.

The restoration of humanity’s lost righteousness is a central theme of the Bible. The only person in human history whose life was absolutely integrated, in whom there is nothing to blame, whose beliefs, words, and deeds were in perfect harmony was Jesus Christ. His character and life is a perfect example of integrity. (Cross Current)

“So then, dear friends, since you are looking forward to this, make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with him” (verse 14 NIV) “…beware lest you also fall from your own steadfastness, being led away with the error of the wicked; but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” (2 Peter 3:17-18, NKJV)

Our faith and righteousness are tested when facing situations that require a compromise of integrity. To possess spiritual integrity under all circumstances is not a work we can accomplish without the Holy Spirit. From praying daily for the presence and power of the Holy Spirit, we receive the spiritual wisdom and discernment to recognize and respond to corrupt situations as Christ would respond.

“The integrity of the upright will guide them, But the perversity of the unfaithful will destroy them.” —Proverbs 11:3

We have to make a decision. The courage to do what is right in God’s eyes is not given to us by the Holy Spirit. Courage comes from within. Will we stand strong although we may endure loss? Choosing right reveals our love for God and our true character. The decision to stand for God’s Righteous moral code reveals that we faithfully trust in God’s promise to never leave us or forsake us. We boldly proclaim, “No, I will not agree to do that!” when our morals and values align with the holiness of Christ, our Rock of Righteousness.

“Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.” —Matthew 7:13-14

Without the humility to surrender and be led by the Holy Spirit, we will live a life of compromise, never growing spiritually. Because our hearts are desperately wicked, we were born with the inner drive to choose evil over good. Yes, the Christian life is a continuous struggle! Temptation is covert—always concealed as the best option, but sin requires a compromise of sanctified holiness.

“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, For they shall be filled.” —Matthew 5:6

Integrity flows from a converted and committed heart that seeks after the Righteousness of Christ. Christ completed His spiritual mission on earth. God clearly defines our responsibility in the plan of Salvation, to seek righteousness. To overcome the enemy’s tactics, we need Divine Help continuously.

Prayer invites all of heaven’s supernatural power to give us the strength to face every struggle and overcome it! Our mindset must be one of spiritual awareness which only comes from a life of prayer on bended knees. When we do our part by remaining steadfast in the Lord, the Holy Spirit anoints us with the power to live holy, sanctified lives possessing uncompromised integrity. © SDJ April 2024

“Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.” —Matthew 5:8