When facing extreme trials and sorrow in this world; how can we hold fast to integrity? That is the word God uses when speaking of Job. God had allowed Satan to take everything away from Job in the course of a day. His children and all his wealth gone in an instant. Job’s response?
Then Job arose, and rent his mantle, and shaved his head, and fell down upon the ground, and worshipped, and said, “Naked came I out of my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return thither: The Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.” In all this Job sinned not, nor charged God foolishly (Job 1:20-22).
And so, when Satan returned as the accuser of the brethren before God. God responded to him in this manner. “Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth (abstains from) evil? And still he holdeth fast his integrity” (Job 2:3); regardless of all I allowed you to take from him.
As he sat in a pile of ashes, scraping his sores; his wife asked, “Do you still hold fast to your integrity? Curse God and die!” (Job 2:9). In the depth of pain and sorrow, it is easy to let go of integrity; but, Job clung fast, even when he fell deep into despair. So, what is integrity? And why is it a word we hear so seldom anymore?
INTEGRITY
Integrity is a matter of the heart and mind, a determination to do that which is right, to be honest, and to be trustworthy; regardless of the consequences. Our salvation, our righteousness; we, as Christians know are due to God’s Grace; because, no matter how hard we work toward righteousness, we can never obtain it on our own. However, we are to hold fast to integrity; which is the determination to strive toward living a life that exemplifies Christ. Although, I know of my own frailties toward achieving righteousness; I am to fight for it and desire it with all my heart. Integrity means, I am to be open, honest, and even at times vulnerable; but, to hold fast to following Jesus. It is a burning desire that fills my heart and soul; to want to do that which is pleasing in His eyes.
To cling to integrity requires a reverent awe of God. One must see Him in all His Majestic Holiness, recognizing His wrath against sin. While at the same time, being so overwhelmed with love for Him; because, of His grace. Integrity is that cry of the heart that Paul proclaimed, “Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:13-14).
Because of Grace, all too often; we choose to float along this Christian journey. Yet, ahead lies the waterfall; and we must choose to get out the paddles to row with all our might toward shore; not because our salvation depends on it. Rather; because, we love and revere God for who He is
INTEGRITY VS WORKS
When the Bible speaks of works, it is referring to our vain attempts to proudly come before God with all that we have accomplished. However, integrity is a heart and mind matter. We are to strive to represent Christ through honesty, virtue, wholeness, and trustworthiness. The difference is why we are doing it. If I am living a life of virtue to gain God’s favor; then, I am foolishly counting on my works. On the other hand, if I am living a life of virtue; because, I have God’s favor and I want to honor Him; then, that is integrity.
JOB’S WORDS:
Even when Job did not understand his suffering, he determined to hold fast to integrity of heart. During long days of God’s silence on the matter and Job’s utter despair; he chose to not sin, and to honor God. Though he wept bitterly and felt unjustly baring the weight of his suffering; he clung fast to integrity.
“As God lives, who has taken away my justice,
And the Almighty, who has made my soul bitter,
3 As long as my breath is in me,
And the breath of God in my nostrils,
4 My lips will not speak wickedness,
Nor my tongue utter deceit.
5 Far be it from me
That I should say you are right;
Till I die I will not put away my integrity from me.
6 My righteousness I hold fast, and will not let it go;
My heart shall not reproach me as long as I live.
7 “May my enemy be like the wicked,
And he who rises up against me like the unrighteous.
8 For what is the hope of the hypocrite,
Though he may gain much,
If God takes away his life?
9 Will God hear his cry
When trouble comes upon him?
10 Will he delight himself in the Almighty?
Will he always call on God? (Job 27, NIV).
CONCLUSION:
So, let us determine with all our heart and mind to strive to be men and women of integrity. Let us press on for the “mark of the prize of the high calling of God.” With all that is in us; let us strive to represent our Heavenly Father in all that we say and do, no matter what circumstances surround us. Determine to do what is right; trusting in God to shine forth through you to the world in need.
DO YOU KNOW CHRIST AS YOUR SAVIOR?
If you don’t know Jesus Christ as your Savior: I urge you to go to my page titled How to Be Saved by clicking on this link. Because there is nothing more important than this, I urge you to seek Him today.
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ABIDING, STEADFAST JOY
A labor of love, this book provides you with 3 foundations of truth from the scripture which once known will provide you with abiding, steadfast joy. Undaunted by the storms of life; your joy will overflow.
WHEN INJUSTICE AND VIOLENCE REIGN:
Through a study of Nahum, Habukkuk, and Zephaniah; I brought their message into our modern times. Answering the questions of “Why, God?”
Providing a foundation of faith and hope; even, as we see so much evil in the world and in our nation. With so much sorrow and despair, this book I wrote to guide you into discovering God’s Perfect Plan of love; amid this chaotic world filled with life’s storms.
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©Effie Darlene Barba, 2017
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned except for my own books. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.
Credits and Footnotes
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