INTEGRITY

Christian leaders. We are called to be people of integrity in the Church and in the world. We are called to be the Bride of Christ, not having spot or wrinkle, holy, without blemish (Ephesians 5:27). Just as Christ our sacrifice is without spot or blemish (1 Peter 1:19).

The world defines integrity thus:

Steadfast adherence to a strict moral or ethical code.
The state of being unimpaired. Soundness.
The quality or condition of being whole or undivided. Completeness.

Sounds great doesn't it? But look around, as we near the time of Jesus return, the world's morals are gripped by an unprecedented decline. False teaching is allowing wickedness to grow, as apathy (Matthew 24:12) and open hostility (Matthew 24;9-11, 2 Timothy 3;1-5) toward the things of Christ become common place. Church services have become a pretense for personal gain, rather than an expression of true devotion to God. Many who speak of morals limit their discussion to sexual matters, but the word of God is clear that sexuality is just one of many elements of human behavior to be judged by God's moral code.

As Jesus return nears, and these immoral activities, which have always been in opposition to God become rampant and world wide, God's moral code, as always, is found in his word.

The Word of God defines integrity thus:

The state of being complete or undivided, righteous (Psalm 7:8), upright (Psalm 25:21), without wavering (Psalm 26:1), blameless (Psalm 101:2), perfect (Matthew 5:48).

Integrity is adhering to God's word with singleness of heart and mind (Matthew 5:8, 6:22, James 1:7-8, 4:8). No turning back.

So, integrity. Live life ready for Jesus. As leaders, ambassadors of Christ, ministers of reconciliation, we edify the church body in love, and we reconcile the lost To God THROUGH Christ, in love. Integrity is integrity in the church body and in the world, for us there is no difference. God calls us to a higher standard.

Integrity speaks of being built up strong in the character of Christ, having a sure foundation with deep roots in Him (Luke 6:48), able to stand (Ephesians 6:11) through anything in him. Being people of integrity is who we are, in the church and in the world, uncompromising and unwavering.