Monday's Lesson - Maintaining Integrity

Read the following accounts. In what ways could these men have so easily violated their integrity? What can we learn from these stories? As you read each account, think of the background to these temptations, think of all the pressure on these men to compromise, think about how easily they could have rationalized another choice.

Gen. 39:6–12

Joseph could have easily violated his integrity because his master's wife wanted to sleep with him and at that time no one was around. Joseph did not see this violation of integrity as an act against his master, but an act against his God. This was the principle that kept Joseph from violating his masters trust.

Like Joseph we must render ever service as if we are rendering that service unto God.
Though humans may be displeased by our lack of integrity, God is the one who is ultimately displeased. We should desire to maintain integrity so that we may shine as lights in this dark world and bring Glory to our God.

1 Sam. 24:1–10

In this passage Saul was pursuing David with the intentions of killing him. Saul was jealous of David and his grounds for wanting to kill him were completely unfounded. David found Saul in a vulnerable position yet he choose to act with integrity by not killing him. David realized that Saul was the king who had been anointed by God and he could not do harm to God's anointed. This reveals to us a few lessons about integrity.

When we see authority figures who are appointed by God we may not like them but we must respect God's choosing in the matter. It is not our job to slander and undermine them. Though we may not agree with what they do we must show respect a integrity in dealing with them.

Dan. 6:1–10

Because Daniel acted with strict integrity in all that he did this caused his co-workers to become jealous of him. The decided to devise a plain against him to get him in trouble with the king. A decree was made that no one should pray to another God but the God of the king. Daniel had a custom of praying to his God three times a day.

In the passage we see that Daniel could have shut his window and prayed or went to a secret place to pray. Daniel continued is custom as normal and maintained integrity to his God. This shows Daniels faithfulness to principle by not acting on impulse to avoid consequences.

We too must learn to do the right thing simply because it is the right thing to do. We must realize that God is the one that we serve , and God is the one that we represent.

Think about a non-biblical character, either from history from the news or from a personal acquaintance, whom you deem as a person of integrity. What are the traits this person has that you wish you did? How can you seek to emulate those traits better in your own life?

Prayer: Father thank you for the examples you have given us of men of integrity. Father help us to exhibit the same integrity in our lives. Thank you in Jesus name amen.