The definition of integrity is: the quality of being honest and fair; the state of being complete or whole; an unimpaired condition. Deep inside the heart of every Spirit-filled believer is the desire to be a person of integrity. I know that is true for me. I want to believe the same is true for you. Situation ethics, the enemy, and peer pressure are just three of the many dynamics that can lead us to compromise our integrity. As we look into Word we see:

• Jesus is the perfect role model of honesty and integrity

And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth. (John 1:14)

Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. (John 14:6)

• The Holy Spirit guides us to be honest and true

However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come. John 16:13

For there are three that bear witness in heaven: the Father, the Word, and the Holy Spirit; and these three are one. 1 John 5:7

• There are many warnings and reminders about honesty and integrity. Here is a small portion of those.

He who is faithful in what is least is faithful also in much; and he who is unjust in what is least is unjust also in much. Therefore if you have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches? (Luke 16:10-11)

Dishonest scales are an abomination to the Lord, But a just weight is His delight. (Proverbs 11:1)

The integrity of the upright will guide them, But the perversity of the unfaithful will destroy them. (Proverbs 11:3)

Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord, But those who deal truthfully are His delight. (Proverbs 12:22)

Better is the poor who walks in his integrity than one who is perverse in his lips, and is a fool. (Proverbs 19:1)

In the house of the righteous there is much treasure, but in the revenue of the wicked is trouble. (Proverbs 15:6)

Better is the poor who walks in his integrity than one who is perverse in his lips, and is a fool. (Proverbs 19:1) I thought we needed to see that one again. 🙂

When the righteous rejoice, there is great glory; But when the wicked arise, men hide themselves. (Proverbs 28:12)

When it comes to finances and financial freedom, integrity is an integral part of the whole picture. When we sign our name on a loan or a credit card receipt, what are we doing? It is as if we are raising our right hand and saying, “I solemnly swear I will pay you the money under the terms of our agreement.” When we sign that document we are putting our name (and our integrity) on the line.

Things can happen. Life happens. Emergencies happen. These are just a few of the reasons we should enter into debt with eyes wide open and conscious of the possible consequences.

Living a life of integrity is a daily thing. If your integrity has lapsed, you can begin afresh today. Commit to our Lord that from now on you desire to be a person of integrity. Then, fulfill your commitment today. If you should be so fortunate as to be here tomorrow (and I fully expect you will be), then live a life of integrity then.

The blessing of a clear conscience is one of the many benefits of being a person of integrity. Thanks for being on this journey with me. In Financial Freedom Principle #8, we will see another important truth. Take care