For Ladies … Walk In Integrity


Beth Cook


Have you ever wondered what comes to the mind of others when your name is mentioned?  A Christian’s name should be synonymous with honesty and integrity.  The Bible speaks on the subject of integrity.  “Better is the poor who walks in his integrity than one perverse in his ways, though he be rich” (Prov. 28:6).  “The integrity of the upright will guide them …” (Prov. 11:3).  Integrity, and a willingness to do right, pleases God (1 Chron. 29:17).  Unfortunately, one only has to look around at our society today to find that integrity is not a very popular practice.  Sometimes public figures disappoint us with their lack of integrity.  Sometimes we, as Christians, struggle to walk in integrity. 


What exactly is integrity?  Integrity is defined as “honesty, sincerity, singleness of purpose” (Nelson’s New Illustrated Bible Dictionary 602).  Webster’s Dictionary defines integrity as “a being complete; wholeness, soundness, uprightness.”  We are familiar with the term integer from which integrity comes.  Integer refers to a whole (undivided), as in a whole number.  A woman of integrity is not divided or hypocritical.  She is not a different person depending on her surroundings.  Her “whole” being has a singleness of purpose: to be a faithful Christian.  She is that faithful Christian whether in the church building, in her home, on the job, or in the community.  Walking in integrity does not mean we are sinless or perfect.  However, a person of integrity acknowledges sin and takes measures to correct those sins.  

The Bible provides examples of people who, though not infallible, walked in integrity.  Among those who walked in integrity are Joseph (Genesis 39:9, 12), Job (Job 2:3; 27:5), David (1 Kings 9:4; Psalm 26:11), Daniel (Daniel 1:8; 6:3-4), and Paul (Acts 24:16).  However, the greatest example and model of integrity is Jesus Christ.  Jesus was perfectly honest and upright in every aspect of his life.

Can it be said our lives are characterized by integrity?  Our conduct should be consistent with our claims!  Am I the same person with my church family on Sunday that I am with my co-workers on Monday?  Does my language change to “fit in” with those around me?  Does my behavior change to avoid the embarrassment of being different?  Am I honest with my words?  When we open our mouths to speak, others need not wonder if what we say will be truthful or not (James 5:12).  “Better is the poor who walks in his integrity than one who is perverse in his lips, and is a fool” (Prov. 19:1).  We have all heard the old adage, “honesty is the best policy.”  Sisters, for the Christian, honesty is the ONLY policy!  

Mothers, do we recognize the responsibility we have to teach our children integrity?  By watching us, our children can learn lessons of integrity that will stay with them throughout life.  Our children must know by our example that we will not compromise our integrity by lying, cheating, or “bending the rules” to gain an advantage or save a dollar.  By walking in integrity, we leave a beautiful and valuable legacy for our children (and grandchildren).  “The righteous man walks in his integrity; His children are blessed after him” (Prov. 20:7).  

A woman of integrity will leave a lasting impression on her sisters in Christ, her family, her friends, her neighbors, and her God.  “The memory of the righteous is blessed, But the name of the wicked will rot” (Prov. 10:7).  May we, like David, resolve to walk in integrity.  “But as for me, I will walk in my integrity …”  (Psalm 26:11).  -RR 1, Box 243, Farmington, WV 26571.


(We were not able to place this, Beth’s excellent lectureship Ladies class article, in our special issue last month and we are very happy to publish it this month.  -Editor.)


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