Is integrity selective? ∙

Is integrity selective? ∙

Honesty guides good people; dishonesty destroys treacherous people. – Proverbs 11:3

Genesis 39:5-10

 5 From the day Joseph was put in charge of his master’s household and property, the LORD began to bless Potiphar’s household for Joseph’s sake. All his household affairs ran smoothly, and his crops and livestock flourished.

 6 So Potiphar gave Joseph complete administrative responsibility over everything he owned. With Joseph there, he didn’t worry about a thing– except what kind of food to eat! Joseph was a very handsome and well-built young man,

 7 and Potiphar’s wife soon began to look at him lustfully. “Come and sleep with me,” she demanded.

 8 But Joseph refused. “Look,” he told her, “my master trusts me with everything in his entire household.”

 9 “No one here has more authority than I do. He has held back nothing from me except you, because you are his wife. How could I do such a wicked thing? It would be a great sin against God.”

 10 She kept putting pressure on Joseph day after day, but he refused to sleep with her, and he kept out of her way as much as possible.

People with integrity behave differently from most others. They are consistent, stable, and unwavering. Their actions align with their words, making them excellent role models. When something needs to be done, they show up, take initiative and responsibility, and do what needs to be done.

5 Things People with Integrity Do Differently

(excerpted from https://www.powerofpositivity.com/)

1. They do what they say they will do.

Have you ever failed to follow through on a promise? People with integrity inspire us because they consistently keep their word. They commit to their promises and act accordingly.

2. They stand up for what is right.

They possess an intrinsic sense of justice and strive to balance the scales. When someone in power abuses power, people with integrity defend the powerless, combat injustice, and stand up for those mistreated.

3. They look in the mirror and commit to positive change.

Self-evaluation is crucial, and people with integrity hold themselves to the same standards as they hold others. They acknowledge their imperfections and work to improve areas that need change.

4. They take ownership of solving problems, even when the fault lies elsewhere.

People with integrity often step into leadership roles when no one else will. Even if they didn’t create the problem, like trash left in a hallway, they take responsibility and address it.

5. They act sooner rather than later.

People with integrity don’t wait to take action. They are proactive, often being the first to jump in and help others whenever possible.

Integrity is all about consistently doing the right thing. It means being reliable, dependable, and steadfast. Integrity encompasses honesty, strong moral principles, and uprightness. It is a personal commitment to uphold consistent moral and ethical standards.

Some may claim they possess integrity and transparency, but often, these claims are only acted out when convenient. True integrity is consistent, unwavering, and not selective.

While the Lord Jesus Christ did not explicitly use the word “integrity,” His teachings are filled with the concept of integrity: purity of heart(Matthew 5:8), singleness of purpose (Matthew 6:22), and purity of motive (Matthew 6:1-6).

REFLECT & PRAY

Some character traits and virtues require that we be “all in.” Integrity is one such attribute. Wishful integrity is selective; genuine integrity is unswerving, not selective.

We cannot choose to have integrity only when it is convenient or when we feel like it; true integrity demands unwavering commitment.

Father, I understand what genuine integrity is, and I aspire to it. Encourage and enable me to be consistent.

INSIGHT

Proverbs 12:27 The precious possession of a man is diligence.

Joseph was a man of integrity, intelligent, competent, and well-regarded. He consistently trusted the Father and made the best of his circumstances, whether good or bad. His character and abilities brought him opportunities.

Proverbs 18:16 A man’s gift makes room for him and brings him before great men.

But the very same qualities also brought temptation into his life.

Genesis 39:7 Potiphar’s wife soon began to look at him lustfully. “Come and sleep with me,” she demanded.

Joseph’s integrity is evidenced in his response.

Genesis 39:8-9

 8 But Joseph refused. “Look,” he told her, “my master trusts me with everything in his entire household.”

 9 “No one here has more authority than I do. He has held back nothing from me except you, because you are his wife. How could I do such a wicked thing? It would be a great sin against God.”

Joseph showed unwavering integrity when he resisted daily pressure from Potiphar’s wife to sleep with her. He remained steadfast and never compromised his principles, demonstrating that his integrity was resolute and not selective.

Genesis 39:10 She kept putting pressure on Joseph day after day, but he refused to sleep with her, and he kept out of her way as much as possible.

Joseph demonstrated courage and determination in living out his integrity. Because of his loyalty and devotion to the Father, he would not capitulate. He recognized that yielding would be a great sin against the Father.

Wishful integrity had matured into genuine integrity. His self-control became a stepping stone to future leadership and the fulfillment of his dreams when he was a naïve, haughty, self-centered young man.

The time you spend alone with the Father will transform your character and increase your devotion. Then, your integrity and godly behavior in an unbelieving world will make others long to know the Lord (Charles Stanley).

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© Dr. H 2024