Integrity Counts

Tuesday 20 October
READ: Dan. 6:1-5
MORE LESSON: Job 27:3-6

But they could find none occasion nor fault; forasmuch as he was faithful, neither was there any error or fault found in him: v 4. This was the testimony of Daniel, in a strange land where he was one of the captives; the enemy found no occasion to accuse him. He shared the same testimony with Jesus about whom the Bible testified as follows; for the prince of this world cometh, and hath nothing in me: Jn. 14:31. We are Jesus’ people and must bear His testimony as Daniel did. The Bible calls us the light of the world and if so, we must live a blameless life without spot or wrinkle.

What do people say about you as a Christian? If it is less than that of Daniel, then you have to work more! Integrity and uprightness are two pillars necessary for successful living (Psa. 25:21). Many believers’ lives are held down because of awkward lifestyles, unjust gains, falsehood, stealing, backbiting and all forms of disobedience. Lack of integrity makes the way very slippery. To be a person of integrity is to embrace honesty in words, actions and intentions; it is to make promises and pay the price to fulfil them.

Any life built on dishonesty always ends in loss and shame, For they have sown the wind, and they shall reap the whirlwind: it hath no stalk: the bud shall yield no meal: if so be it yield, the strangers shall swallow it up: Hosea 8:7. Lives and futures built on forged certificates and other frauds cannot be glorious. There are marks of integrity all of which must be found in your life :

1. Moral uprightness: Gen.20:3-10.

2. Unselfish service to God and man. And Moses was very wroth, and said unto the LORD, Respect not thou their offering: I have not taken one ass from them, neither have I hurt one of them: Num 16:15.

3. Performing your vows and promises: Jer.35:12-19.

4. Rejecting brides of all forms: And when Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles' hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money, Saying, Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost. But Peter said unto him, Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money. Thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter: for thy heart is not right in the sight of God. Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, ...: Acts 8:18-23.

5. Honest behaviour: Receive us; we have wronged no man, we have corrupted no man, we have defrauded no man: 2Cor.7:2.

Job’s wife asked him a question that all of us must regularly ask ourselves; ...Dost thou still retain thine integrity? ...: Job 2:9. God, godly people and even unbelievers expect you to retain your integrity in all things. And until then you are still a struggling Christian.

Prayer/Action
* Father, release on me the spirit of truth, in Jesus’ mighty name.
* I receive grace to be honest in actions and intentions, in Jesus’ mighty name.
* I will retain my integrity in all things, in Jesus’ mighty name.

PROPHETIC PRAYER
Shepherd of my soul, I give You full control, lead me besides still waters,and take me to green pastures, in the name of Jesus.