Do you have a clear conscience?

Singleness of the Heart (Proverbs 11:3)

Some mistakenly associate the word integrity only with reputation—an external appearance. True integrity is a quality of character—an inward reality that refers to singleness of heart or mind, the development of a blameless character by adhering to an exemplary moral code. The Biblical model of integrity is marked by several distinct features:

• innocent actions (Ge 20:5);
• a clear conscience (Ac 24:16; Heb 13:18);
• fear of God, truthfulness and opposition to covetousness (Ex 18:21);
• blamelessness and uprightness (Job 2:3; Ps 25:21);
• righteousness (Ps 7:8);
• freedom from that which is shameful, crafty or deceitful (2Co 4:2);
• refusal to serve idols (Ps 24:3–5);
• disassociation with evildoers (Ps 26:4);
• honorable behavior (2Co 8:21; 1Pe 2:12).

The Hebrews understood that:

• integrity of heart guides a person into right and rewarding situations (Pr 11:3);
• integrity is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice (Pr 21:3); and
• a person’s integrity silences critics (1Pe 2:13–17).

Integrity provides a mindset toward righteousness and an abiding intent to do the will of God and to walk in his ways. Taken from The Woman’s Study Bible

As mentioned in yesterday's blog post, I start every day off with a devotion, and sometimes more than one. Recently, the NIV 365-Day Devotional has been sharing thoughts on integrity. Today's post references many scriptures, listed above, dedicated to that topic.

The dictionary defines integrity thus:

1. Adherence to moral and ethical principles; soundness of moral character; honesty;

2. The state of being whole, entire, or undiminished: to preserve the integrity of the empire;

3. A sound, unimpaired, or perfect condition: the integrity of a ship's hull.

 

Obviously, since all Scripture is God-breathed, the Creator of the universe had a lot to say about principles, and how we as followers of Jesus should conduct ourselves on an ongoing basis.

 

A Chinese proverb aligns integrity quite severely in this anonymous quote - "To starve to death is a small thing, but to lose one's integrity is a great one."

 

H-m-m-m-m-m...

 

While you are absorbing the wisdom of this quote and the Bible verses relayed here, please know that I pray every day that all of you will know the Jesus of the Bible and become a true follower of His way. May God bless you all every day in every way. Amen.