Integrity: The Foundation of Character and Influence

 

Summary

In today's message, we explored the profound question of who we aspire to be like and why. This question transcends age and challenges us to consider the qualities of character that we admire in others. It's not about what they have or where they live, but about the choices they make and the integrity they uphold. Integrity, as we discussed, is the courage to do what is right, honorable, and noble, regardless of the consequences. It's about doing what you ought to, even if it costs you.

We delved into the story of Daniel, a young Hebrew taken to Babylon, who resolved not to defile himself with the king's food and wine. This decision was not about dietary preferences but about maintaining his integrity and allegiance to his God, Yahweh, rather than succumbing to the cultural pressures of Babylon. Daniel's story teaches us the importance of making up our minds ahead of time to do what is right, even when it might cost us. His integrity guided him throughout his life, allowing him to influence powerful leaders and remain steadfast in his faith.

Daniel's story is a reminder that our personal integrity is not just about us; it impacts those around us. When we choose to do what we ought to, we add value and stability to the lives of those closest to us. Conversely, a breach in integrity can have far-reaching consequences, affecting not only ourselves but also those we love. Our choices, whether good or bad, do not remain private; they ripple out into the world.

As we reflect on Daniel's example, we are challenged to make up our minds ahead of time to be people of integrity. This decision may limit us in some ways, but it will also free us from the regrets and shame that come from compromising our values. By anchoring our integrity to something greater than ourselves, we can navigate life's challenges with courage and conviction, writing a story worth telling and inspiring those around us.

Key Takeaways:

1. Integrity as a Guiding Principle: Integrity is about doing what is right, honorable, and noble, regardless of the consequences. It requires courage and determination to make choices that align with our values, even when it costs us. This principle guides us through life's challenges and helps us build a legacy worth remembering. [02:17]

2. The Ripple Effect of Integrity: Our personal integrity impacts those around us. A breach in integrity can have far-reaching consequences, affecting not only ourselves but also those we love. Conversely, when we choose to do what we ought to, we add value and stability to the lives of those closest to us. [03:49]

3. Making Up Your Mind Ahead of Time: Like Daniel, we must resolve ahead of time to do what is right. This pre-decision helps us navigate temptations and challenges with clarity and conviction. By anchoring our integrity to something greater than ourselves, we can remain steadfast in our values. [18:10]

4. The Cost and Reward of Integrity: Choosing integrity may come with a cost, but it also brings rewards that far outweigh the sacrifices. By doing what we ought to, we write a story worth telling and inspire those around us. Our integrity becomes a defining aspect of our character and legacy. [37:59]

5. Creating "Now God" Moments: When we place ourselves at the mercy of God by choosing integrity, we open the door for Him to work in our lives in extraordinary ways. These "now God" moments become defining experiences that shape our story and impact those around us. [25:24]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:07] - Who Do You Want to Be Like?
- [00:47] - Beyond the Surface: Character Matters
- [01:28] - Becoming Someone's Role Model
- [02:03] - Your Integrity, Our World
- [02:28] - Definition of Integrity
- [03:08] - The Impact of Personal Integrity
- [04:29] - The Opposite is True: Integrity Benefits Others
- [05:06] - Proverbs 11:3: Integrity Guides
- [06:01] - Old Testament Story: A Lesson in Integrity
- [06:57] - Historical Context: Babylon's Conquest
- [09:13] - Daniel's Resolve
- [14:03] - The Twist in Daniel's Story
- [18:10] - Making Up Your Mind Ahead of Time
- [25:24] - Creating "Now God" Moments
- [37:59] - The Cost and Reward of Integrity

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. Daniel 1:8-16 - Daniel's resolve not to defile himself with the king's food and wine.
2. Proverbs 11:3 - "The integrity of the upright will guide them, but the crookedness of the treacherous will destroy them."

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Observation Questions:

1. What specific decision did Daniel make regarding the king's food and wine, and what was his reasoning behind it? ([14:20])
2. How did Daniel's decision impact his relationship with the Babylonian officials and his standing in the king's court? ([23:14])
3. What does Proverbs 11:3 suggest about the role of integrity in guiding a person's life?
4. How did Daniel's integrity influence his long-term position and influence in Babylon? ([29:36])

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Interpretation Questions:

1. Why might Daniel have considered it important to make up his mind ahead of time about his dietary choices? How does this reflect on his character and faith? ([18:10])
2. In what ways does the story of Daniel illustrate the ripple effect of personal integrity on those around him? ([03:49])
3. How does the concept of "doing what you ought to, even if it costs you" challenge modern-day values and decision-making? ([02:28])
4. What can be learned from Daniel's approach to handling potential conflicts between his faith and the expectations of the Babylonian court? ([22:40])

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a time when you faced a decision that tested your integrity. How did you respond, and what was the outcome? ([19:10])
2. Daniel made up his mind ahead of time to maintain his integrity. What are some areas in your life where you need to make a pre-decision to uphold your values? ([18:10])
3. Consider the ripple effect of your personal integrity. How have your choices, good or bad, impacted those around you? ([03:49])
4. What are some practical steps you can take to ensure that your integrity guides your decisions, especially in challenging situations? ([05:06])
5. How can you anchor your integrity to something greater than yourself, as Daniel did with his faith in God? ([33:24])
6. Identify a "now God" moment in your life where you trusted God with a difficult decision. What was the result, and how did it shape your faith journey? ([25:24])
7. How can you inspire others through your integrity, as Daniel did, to create a legacy worth remembering? ([37:59])

Devotional

Day 1: Integrity as a Guiding Principle
Integrity is the courage to do what is right, honorable, and noble, regardless of the consequences. It is a guiding principle that requires determination to make choices that align with our values, even when it costs us. This principle helps us navigate life's challenges and build a legacy worth remembering. Integrity is not just about avoiding wrongdoing; it is about actively choosing to do what is right, even when no one is watching. It is about being true to oneself and one's beliefs, and it is a commitment to living a life of authenticity and truth. [02:17]

Proverbs 11:3 (ESV): "The integrity of the upright guides them, but the crookedness of the treacherous destroys them."

Reflection: In what area of your life do you find it most challenging to maintain integrity, and what steps can you take today to align your actions with your values?


Day 2: The Ripple Effect of Integrity
Our personal integrity impacts those around us. A breach in integrity can have far-reaching consequences, affecting not only ourselves but also those we love. Conversely, when we choose to do what we ought to, we add value and stability to the lives of those closest to us. Integrity is not just a personal matter; it is a communal one. Our actions, whether good or bad, create ripples that extend beyond our immediate circle. By choosing integrity, we contribute to a culture of trust and respect, positively influencing our communities and relationships. [03:49]

1 Peter 2:12 (ESV): "Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation."

Reflection: Think of a recent decision you made that impacted others. How did your choice reflect your integrity, and what was the outcome for those around you?


Day 3: Making Up Your Mind Ahead of Time
Like Daniel, we must resolve ahead of time to do what is right. This pre-decision helps us navigate temptations and challenges with clarity and conviction. By anchoring our integrity to something greater than ourselves, we can remain steadfast in our values. Making up your mind ahead of time means setting clear boundaries and standards for your behavior before you are faced with difficult situations. It is about being proactive rather than reactive, ensuring that your decisions are guided by your principles rather than external pressures. [18:10]

Daniel 1:8 (ESV): "But Daniel resolved that he would not defile himself with the king's food, or with the wine that he drank. Therefore he asked the chief of the eunuchs to allow him not to defile himself."

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to make a pre-decision to uphold your integrity, and how can you prepare for future challenges in this area?


Day 4: The Cost and Reward of Integrity
Choosing integrity may come with a cost, but it also brings rewards that far outweigh the sacrifices. By doing what we ought to, we write a story worth telling and inspire those around us. Our integrity becomes a defining aspect of our character and legacy. While the cost of integrity can be high, such as losing opportunities or facing criticism, the rewards include peace of mind, respect from others, and a clear conscience. Integrity allows us to live authentically and leave a positive impact on the world. [37:59]

Psalm 15:1-2 (ESV): "O Lord, who shall sojourn in your tent? Who shall dwell on your holy hill? He who walks blamelessly and does what is right and speaks truth in his heart."

Reflection: Reflect on a time when maintaining your integrity cost you something significant. What were the long-term rewards, and how did it shape your character?


Day 5: Creating "Now God" Moments
When we place ourselves at the mercy of God by choosing integrity, we open the door for Him to work in our lives in extraordinary ways. These "now God" moments become defining experiences that shape our story and impact those around us. By trusting God and choosing integrity, we allow Him to intervene in our lives, often in unexpected and miraculous ways. These moments of divine intervention can strengthen our faith and serve as powerful testimonies to others. [25:24]

2 Chronicles 16:9 (ESV): "For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to give strong support to those whose heart is blameless toward him."

Reflection: Can you identify a "now God" moment in your life where choosing integrity led to an unexpected blessing or opportunity? How can you remain open to such moments in the future?

Quotes

"Who would you like to be like, or who do you wanna be like, or who do you wanna be like when you grow up? 'Cause we're all kind of growing up. Who would you like to be like? And again, it can be a person younger than you, you just think, 'Wow, they're just such a fine person.' Who would you like to be more like, and why?" [00:10:38]

"Integrity in a general sense is the grit or the determination or the courage or the will to just do the right, the honorable and the noble thing, just because it's the right and the honorable and the noble thing, regardless of the consequences. And then last time we were together, I gave you a short definition." [00:12:57]

"Our personal integrity, whether it's good or bad, whether we maintain it or sacrifice that our personal integrity is in fact personal. But let's not kid ourselves. Our choices don't remain private. So if there's a breach in my integrity, I can say, 'Well, that was my decision, it was a personal decision.' But a breach of my personal integrity is always gonna impact some other persons." [00:29:41]

"Do what you ought to do and you benefit the people closest to you, do what you ought to do and the people closest to you, you add value to their life. You add stability to your life. You become part of their story for the rest of their life. And you may make their top three or five or top 10 lists." [00:44:41]

"The integrity of the upright will guide them, but the crookedness or the bitterness, or the, 'Hey, I'm only gonna focus on right in front of me ness.' The crookedness of the treacherous will ultimately destroy them. And we've all got a story. We've all got a story of, instead of looking out, I was looking down and one of my appetites got inflamed." [00:50:18]

"Daniel resolved, two Hebrew words here. He set his heart. He set his heart. He resolved, he made up his mind. He decided not to defile himself. Another common Hebrew word basically means, literally to pollute or to stain. He decided not to pollute or stain. He decided figuratively not to desecrate himself, not to undignify himself, not to lower himself." [00:57:53]

"Daniel made up his mind ahead of time. Daniel made up his mind ahead of time. Daniel made up his mind, before he knew how the story of Daniel would play out. And ultimately, and in fact, as I said a minute ago, the only reason we know this story is because he made up his mind ahead of time." [01:13:19]

"When we sacrifice our integrity to get ahead. When we sacrifice our integrity to get the thing, we don't think we can get any other way. When we sacrifice our integrity, here's what happens. We close the door on that opportunity. We close the door to see what God might do, when we place ourselves 100% at his mercy." [01:46:21]

"Never, ever, ever, ever closed the door on a potential, what Daniel would call a now God moment. A now God moment is you have done the right thing. People know what you're doing. There's a price to be paid. And then God decides to intervene on your behalf. There are no guarantees. It is worth the risk." [01:51:51]

"Daniel, was that person at 70, because he made up his mind when he was around 17 and all along the way, his integrity guided him. All along his integrity led him. All along his integrity was anchored to something outside of him. All along his integrity, it was anchored to the divine." [02:07:47]

"If you make up your mind to do the right thing, even if it costs you, it will cost you. It will cost you, there is a price, but you're not gonna look back and regret that. So would you make up your mind ahead of time to be the person you want to be." [02:31:10]

"This is the precipice of the story you may tell the rest of your life because you did what you ought to do. And it was free fall. And God came through for you because you created a potential now God moment. And now God moments, those are defining moments for you and the people who love you." [02:57:23]

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Transcript
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