𝘋𝘢𝘺 𝟸 𝘰𝘧 𝘢 𝟸-𝘸𝘦𝘦𝘬 𝘴𝘵𝘶𝘥𝘺 𝘢𝘣𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘐𝘕𝘛𝘌𝘎𝘙𝘐𝘛𝘠 𝘰𝘯 𝘷𝘪𝘯𝘦𝘵𝘰𝘣𝘳𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘩𝘦𝘴.𝘤𝘰𝘮 . . .

You desire honesty from the heart. (Psalm 51:6, NLT)

A person of integrity seeks to follow the LORD’s will in everything. (Psalm 26:9-12, NLT)

Honesty, by definition, is to tell the truth or simply being true.  Integrity is having strong moral principles based on honesty and following those principles without exception.  

But integrity involves so much more than honesty: wholeness, purity, reliability, excellence, faithfulness, structurally/philosophically sound foundation, virtue, and sincerity.

One can be honest while not demonstrating integrity.  Truthful words or actions can fall short of an ideal at best, or worse, may not be good or right by any standard.

But… one cannot possess integrity without honesty.

In the introduction to this study (shared yesterday), I recounted a little story about baking a new dessert.  The recipe I used specifically called for “pure, high-quality vanilla.”  Nothing less, nothing else would suffice.  The integrity of pure vanilla (undiluted, unaltered, uncompromised) was essential to ensure the best outcome.

Alternative ingredients for my recipe might have included a list of vanilla substitutes.  Any one of those options may have been clearly labeled with honest information.  The packaging may have clearly stated truth – that it contained less-than pure vanilla or a completely different substance used to imitate the flavor of vanilla.  

I might have chosen to use one of those substitutes based on honest, truthful information.  But the result of my baking project would have suffered considerably!  Its integrity would have been compromised.

Honesty, although essential, is only one component of integrity.

If our goal is to reflect the heart of GOD in all things, then honesty is only one step in wholehearted devotion to the integrity of thought, intention, or action that truly honors the LORD.  Our checklist needs to be far more thorough:

Is it true and just?

Is it kind and gentle?

Is it excellent?

Is it pure?

Does it build up rather than tear down?

Does it put others’ needs above my own?

Does it draw others to the LORD rather than pulling them away?

Does it protect, provide, or defend?

Does it promote self or the Savior?

Is it steadfast and sure, regardless of opposition or obstacles?

Is it trustworthy?

Does it accurately reflect the heart of GOD?

Whatever “it” is, let us be sure to ask ourselves the hard questions – all of them.  Let us look to the Spirit dwelling within us to check our hearts, draw us to His highest standard, and grow in us the desire and ability to pursue whole-hearted integrity.

“And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the LORD JESUS, giving thanks through Him to GOD the Father.” (Colossians 3:17, NLT) … “The Son radiates GOD’s own glory and expresses the very character of GOD.” (Hebrews 1:3)