Integrity is so very important in the body of Christ. The simple definition is “The quality of being honest and having strong moral principals; moral uprightness.” It also reads, “a state of being undivided.”

This reminded me of this scripture:

He is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways. James 1:8

In other translations the scriptures reads like this:

An indecisive man is unstable in all his ways. James 1:8

When we look at the synonym listing and further insights we see things like this:

“Refusal to lie, steal;, or deceive in any way.”

The honor synonym points to an active or anxious regard for the standards of one’s profession, calling, or position.

Integrity implies a trustworthiness and incorruptibility that one is incapable of being false to a trust, responsibility, or pledge. (Webster Dictionary)

We also see a tried and proven honesty or integrity among the synonym implications.

So, how does this affect our walk with Christ?

My answer is, “Deeply.”

A lack of integrity in the little things will often taint a testimony for Christ to an onlooker. Those watching to see if we are any different than the world.

The call of God will always call us to be above reproach.

Philippians 2:15 says, “…so that you may be blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and perverse generation, in which you shine as lights in the world.”

Some of the things Christ has rooted my own life in are these examples below: After all, He is a very practical God in our daily lives expecting us to practice what we preach.

So here are a few of the little lessons He has taught me over the years: Putting my shopping cart in the correct place rather than leaving it in the parking lot to possibly harm other vehicles or add unnecessary work for employees who might be tired. Paying my bills on time, or even early, to set a good example that Christians are trustworthy. Paying my taxes as is set out by the law of the land.

When we began our radio station there were ways of “skirting around” paying royalties to songwriters. The Lord would not allow that of us. We pay annual royalty fees to ensure God’s people and giftings are taken care of appropriately. How could we move forward the Kingdom of God on the backs of His people without honoring who they are in Him? Dishonoring them meant we would dishonor Him.

If I were to record another songwriter’s music, I would pay royalties that pay them what they are owed. It’s God’s way of helping them continue to release what He has given them. It cost money (and lots of it) to record and produce just one song.

All of these things are critical to the Kingdom witness.

Integrity simply does the right thing no matter how hard it may be. Sometimes integrity costs you? It may cost you time and money to do something right the first time but let me tell you that it will never cost you as much as having a lack of integrity will.

We are likely remembered most for what we do rather than what we preach.

The Church must walk uprightly. Walk in honesty. Walk in honor. It is the way of Jesus. We must stop trying to skirt around doing the right thing and justifying it. It is sin. Period. It makes it hard for others who are trying to see the real Jesus in us. To them we preach one message but do another. They see us as that double-minded man unstable in all our ways. Divided in our loyalties. Divided in our hearts.

Ponder these things with the Lord. If there are any things He brings to mind…correct them immediately. It may be that they are the little foxes spoiling your vine and hindering your moving forward in your calling.