Integrity: A Divine Standard for Life
Summary
Integrity is a cornerstone of our personal and communal lives. It is the courage and resolve to do the right thing simply because it is right, regardless of the cost or benefit. Integrity is not just a personal virtue but a universal expectation. We demand it from those around us, even if we sometimes fall short ourselves. This expectation reveals a deeper truth: integrity is not merely a social construct but is anchored in something greater than ourselves.
The concept of structural integrity in buildings serves as a metaphor for personal integrity. Just as a compromised beam can lead to the collapse of an entire structure, a failure in personal integrity can transfer stress and consequences to those around us. This is evident in families, workplaces, and communities where one person's failure can ripple out, affecting many others. Conversely, when we uphold our integrity, it positively impacts those around us, reinforcing the idea that our personal integrity is indeed a communal concern.
Integrity assumes an "ought to" that we all recognize and expect others to adhere to. This "ought to" is not something we create; it is an external standard that holds sway over us. It is a divine law written on our hearts, guiding us even when we are unaware of it. This divine law is what makes integrity more than just a tool for personal gain. It is a reflection of the kingdom of God, a participation in a divine order that transcends personal and societal opinions.
When we justify our actions, we acknowledge this divine law, whether we believe in it or not. This acknowledgment is an encounter with the divine, a recognition of a higher standard that calls us to live in sync with God's will. Upholding integrity, especially when it costs us, is a declaration of God's rule over our lives. It is not just about being a good person; it is about living in alignment with a divine order that is best for us and those around us.
Key Takeaways:
- Integrity is the courage to do the right thing, regardless of personal cost or benefit. It is a universal expectation that reveals a deeper truth about our connection to a divine standard. [00:19]
- A failure of personal integrity transfers stress and consequences to those around us, much like a compromised structural beam affects an entire building. Conversely, upholding integrity positively impacts others. [02:18]
- Integrity assumes an "ought to" that is not self-created but is a divine law written on our hearts. This law guides us and holds us accountable, even when we are unaware of it. [09:12]
- Justifying our actions is an acknowledgment of this divine law, an encounter with a higher standard that calls us to live in sync with God's will. [24:58]
- Upholding integrity, especially when it costs us, is a declaration of God's rule over our lives. It is about living in alignment with a divine order that is best for us and those around us. [33:05]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[00:09] - Introduction to Integrity
[00:51] - Structural Integrity Metaphor
[02:06] - Personal Integrity and Its Impact
[04:17] - The Transfer of Stress
[05:18] - Universal Expectation of Integrity
[08:17] - The Foundation of Integrity
[10:24] - The Inescapable "Ought To"
[12:29] - The Divine Law Written on Hearts
[15:32] - National Implications of Integrity
[19:37] - Moral Outrage and Its Foundation
[22:01] - The Illusion of Free Will
[24:44] - Justifying Behavior and Acknowledging the Divine
[27:59] - The Law Written on Hearts
[31:14] - Encountering the Divine
[33:23] - Integrity and the Kingdom of God
[35:30] - Conclusion and Next Steps
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: Integrity
Bible Reading:
1. Romans 2:14-15 - "When Gentiles, who do not have the law, do by nature things required by the law, they are a law for themselves, even though they do not have the law. They show that the requirements of the law are written on their hearts, their consciences also bearing witness, and their thoughts sometimes accusing them and at other times even defending them."
2. Proverbs 11:3 - "The integrity of the upright guides them, but the unfaithful are destroyed by their duplicity."
3. Psalm 15:1-2 - "Lord, who may dwell in your sacred tent? Who may live on your holy mountain? The one whose walk is blameless, who does what is righteous, who speaks the truth from their heart."
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Observation Questions:
1. How does the sermon describe the impact of a failure in personal integrity on those around us? ([02:18])
2. What metaphor is used in the sermon to explain the concept of integrity, and how does it relate to personal integrity? ([00:51])
3. According to the sermon, what is the universal expectation we have regarding integrity, and how does it make us hypocrites? ([05:18])
4. How does the sermon explain the concept of "ought to" and its significance in our understanding of integrity? ([09:12])
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Interpretation Questions:
1. In Romans 2:14-15, Paul talks about the law being written on the hearts of Gentiles. How does this concept relate to the sermon’s idea of a divine law guiding our integrity? ([28:11])
2. Proverbs 11:3 speaks of integrity guiding the upright. How does this align with the sermon’s message about integrity being a declaration of God's rule over our lives? ([33:05])
3. The sermon suggests that justifying our actions is an acknowledgment of a higher standard. How does this relate to the idea of the divine law written on our hearts? ([24:58])
4. How does the sermon’s use of the structural integrity metaphor help us understand the communal impact of personal integrity? ([01:31])
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a recent situation where you were tempted to compromise your integrity. What was the outcome, and how might you handle it differently in light of the sermon’s message? ([02:28])
2. The sermon discusses the transfer of stress due to a lack of integrity. Can you identify a time when someone else's lack of integrity affected you? How did you respond, and what might you do differently now? ([02:43])
3. Consider the "ought to" that the sermon describes as a divine law. How does this influence your daily decisions, and are there areas where you struggle to align with this standard? ([09:12])
4. The sermon mentions that upholding integrity, especially when it costs us, is a declaration of God's rule. Can you think of a time when doing the right thing cost you something significant? How did it affect your faith? ([33:05])
5. How can you model integrity for your children or those you mentor, especially in situations where it might be easier to take shortcuts? ([35:30])
6. The sermon suggests that integrity is more than being a good person; it’s about living in sync with God's will. What steps can you take this week to ensure your actions align with this understanding? ([34:12])
7. Identify one area in your life where you feel your integrity is being tested. What practical steps can you take to strengthen your resolve in this area? ([05:18])
Devotional
Day 1: Integrity as Courageous Commitment
Integrity is the courage to do the right thing, regardless of personal cost or benefit. It is a universal expectation that reveals a deeper truth about our connection to a divine standard. [00:19]
Integrity is more than a personal virtue; it is a courageous commitment to uphold what is right, even when it is inconvenient or costly. This commitment is not just a societal expectation but a reflection of a deeper, divine standard that calls us to live beyond our self-interest. When we act with integrity, we align ourselves with a universal truth that transcends personal gain, embodying a moral courage that is both rare and essential. This courage is not self-generated but is inspired by a divine law that is written on our hearts, guiding us to act rightly even when no one is watching.
Integrity challenges us to examine our motives and actions, urging us to live in a way that is consistent with the divine order. It is a call to be true to ourselves and to the higher standard that governs our lives, reminding us that our actions have a profound impact on the world around us.
Proverbs 11:3 (ESV): "The integrity of the upright guides them, but the crookedness of the treacherous destroys them."
Reflection: Think of a recent situation where you faced a moral dilemma. How did you respond, and what would acting with integrity look like in that situation today?
Day 2: The Ripple Effect of Integrity
A failure of personal integrity transfers stress and consequences to those around us, much like a compromised structural beam affects an entire building. Conversely, upholding integrity positively impacts others. [02:18]
Integrity is not an isolated trait; it has a ripple effect that extends far beyond the individual. Just as a compromised beam can lead to the collapse of an entire structure, a failure in personal integrity can cause stress and consequences to ripple out, affecting families, workplaces, and communities. This metaphor highlights the interconnectedness of our lives and the responsibility we have to uphold integrity for the sake of others.
Conversely, when we uphold our integrity, we create a positive impact that strengthens and supports those around us. Our actions can inspire trust, foster healthy relationships, and contribute to a stable and harmonious community. Integrity, therefore, is not just a personal concern but a communal one, reminding us that our choices have the power to build up or tear down the world around us.
1 Corinthians 12:26 (ESV): "If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together."
Reflection: Consider a relationship or community you are part of. How can you actively contribute to its strength and well-being through your integrity today?
Day 3: The Divine "Ought To"
Integrity assumes an "ought to" that is not self-created but is a divine law written on our hearts. This law guides us and holds us accountable, even when we are unaware of it. [09:12]
The concept of integrity is deeply rooted in an inherent "ought to" that transcends human invention. This "ought to" is a divine law inscribed on our hearts, guiding us toward what is right and holding us accountable to a higher standard. It is an external compass that directs our actions and decisions, even when we are not consciously aware of its influence.
This divine law is not something we create or control; it is a reflection of a greater order that governs our lives. It calls us to live in alignment with God's will, challenging us to rise above our personal desires and societal norms. By acknowledging this divine "ought to," we recognize our place within a larger moral framework that shapes our understanding of integrity and guides us toward a life of purpose and meaning.
Jeremiah 31:33 (ESV): "For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, declares the Lord: I will put my law within them, and I will write it on their hearts. And I will be their God, and they shall be my people."
Reflection: Reflect on a decision you need to make. How does the divine "ought to" influence your choice, and what steps can you take to align with it today?
Day 4: Acknowledging the Divine Standard
Justifying our actions is an acknowledgment of this divine law, an encounter with a higher standard that calls us to live in sync with God's will. [24:58]
When we justify our actions, we are often acknowledging an internal awareness of a divine standard that we are either aligning with or deviating from. This acknowledgment is an encounter with a higher moral authority that calls us to live in harmony with God's will. It is a recognition that our actions are measured against a standard that is not of our own making but is divinely ordained.
This divine standard challenges us to examine our motives and actions, urging us to live in a way that reflects God's character and purposes. By acknowledging this standard, we open ourselves to the transformative power of God's guidance, allowing it to shape our lives and lead us toward a deeper understanding of integrity. It is an invitation to live authentically and courageously, in sync with the divine order that governs our lives.
Psalm 19:12-13 (ESV): "Who can discern his errors? Declare me innocent from hidden faults. Keep back your servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me! Then I shall be blameless, and innocent of great transgression."
Reflection: Think of a recent action you justified. What does this reveal about your understanding of God's standard, and how can you realign with it today?
Day 5: Integrity as a Declaration of God's Rule
Upholding integrity, especially when it costs us, is a declaration of God's rule over our lives. It is about living in alignment with a divine order that is best for us and those around us. [33:05]
Upholding integrity, particularly when it comes at a personal cost, is a powerful declaration of God's sovereignty in our lives. It is an act of submission to a divine order that transcends our understanding and desires, affirming our commitment to live in accordance with God's will. This alignment with the divine order is not just beneficial for us but also for those around us, as it fosters a community built on trust, respect, and love.
Living with integrity is a testament to our faith and trust in God's plan, even when it challenges us to sacrifice our comfort or convenience. It is a recognition that God's ways are higher than our ways and that true fulfillment comes from living in harmony with His purposes. By choosing integrity, we participate in the unfolding of God's kingdom on earth, contributing to a world that reflects His justice, mercy, and love.
Micah 6:8 (ESV): "He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?"
Reflection: Identify a situation where upholding integrity may cost you something. How can you prepare your heart and mind to choose God's way in that situation today?
Quotes
Integrity is the resolve and the courage to do the right and noble thing just because it's the right and noble thing, you just do the right noble thing because it's the right noble thing when it benefits you and you do it when it costs you, because people of integrity just do the right thing because it's the right thing, that is the reward. [00:16:50]
A failure of personal integrity adds stress to the persons around us, right? I mean, this isn't new, but this is easy to overlook, especially when we're being tempted to sacrifice our integrity because not to it's gonna cost us something, and it just seems too difficult to tell the truth and too costly to do the right thing. [02:14:36]
The load is always, always, always transferred. That the consequences are never isolated, that your personal failure of integrity impacts some other persons, but your integrity, when you maintain your integrity, when we maintain our integrity, when I maintain my integrity, it also impacts some other persons as well. [04:23:30]
Integrity assumes an ought to, we readily appeal to that we assume everyone around us is accountable to. Let me read that again. That integrity assumes and then the fact that you just expect people to tell you the truth, they signed the contract, they're gonna follow the, integrity assumes and ought to, you just ought to do that. [09:01:40]
If there is no ought to that stands outside of you and hold sway you. In other words, if that doesn't even exist, and if you're someone who just believes that the material world is all there is, and nature is all it is, I understand that, you have good reason, there's good arguments to be made for that. [13:48:32]
The moment that we attempt to justify a behavior in our minds, okay, think about this, we're gonna one of these before the day's over, the moment, the you try to justify a behavior in your mind, I shouldn't, but I'm going to, I should not tell her that, I'm gonna tell her that anyway, I shouldn't lie, I should show them, I should, but I'm not. [24:55:69]
When you do the right thing, when you do the costly thing, we need to do the thing that costs you financially, cost you relationally, cost you reputationally, cost you some followers. Now you're not gonna get invited back, now you're not gonna get invited in, now life's gonna be different because you did the right thing. [32:49:76]
You have intersected with the divine because you obey the law of God written on your heart. You have participated in it. These are Jesus' words, I love this. You are not far from it. So, we're gonna talk about integrity and from lots of different angles, but to get started, it's anchored to something beyond our fluid opinions. [33:15:27]
It's informed by a value system that stands outside of us, that stands over us, that puts pressure on us and it represents what's best for us. And it represents what's best for the people around us. And the reason you know what's best for you is because when someone treats you the way they ought not treat you, you appeal to the law of God in your heart. [33:54:04]
When you do what's right and it costs you, you declare the rule of God over you. You're not just making a good decision, this is what's so amazing, you're not just doing the right thing, you are declaring the rule of God over you and you are participating in the kingdom of God, whether you meant to or not and whether you believe in God or not. [34:58:59]
And when you insist that other people treat other people justly, and when you insist that other people treat other people right, and when you insist that other people treat other people fairly, you're participating in the kingdom of God as well. So, wrapping this out, integrity. We expect it, you cannot expect it. [35:29:87]
How do you get it? For some of you, how do you get it back? How do you guard it? How do you model it for your kids? That's what this series is all about. So, don't miss part two of Your Integrity, Our World. Next time, we're gonna talk about how to position integrity as your guide. So, I hope to see you then. [35:53:24]
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