TEXT: MATT. 5:33-37(NLT)
Again, you have heard that the law of Moses says, ‘Do not break your vows; you must carry out the vows you have made to the Lord.’
But I say, don’t make any vows! If you say, ‘By heaven!’ it is a sacred vow because heaven is God’s throne.
And if you say, ‘By the earth!’ it is a sacred vow because the earth is his footstool. And don’t swear, ‘By Jerusalem!’ for Jerusalem is the city of the great King.
Don’t even swear, ‘By my head!’ for you can’t turn one hair white or black.
Just say a simple, ‘Yes, I will,’ or ‘No, I won’t.’ Your word is enough. To strengthen your promise with a vow shows that something is wrong.
Dictionary described integrity as uncompromising adherence to moral and ethical principles; soundness of moral character; honesty.
These attributes you will find difficult these days and unfortunately even amongst Christians.
We now see lack of integrity in our society on a scale that is worrying. In many countries of the world we witness corruption, lies, nepotism, greed and sexual gratification to lecturers to pass female students.
Integrity is slowly becoming extinct.
MATT. 5:13-16
Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.
Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.
Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.
Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
WHAT KIND OF LIGHT ARE YOU DISPLAYING?
Why were the apostles called Christians in Antioch according to Acts of the Apostles chapter 11:26?
The people saw the attributes of Jesus Christ in them. What are your neighbours, work colleagues, friends and political allies see in you?
Can people see Jesus in you and can unbelievers vouch for your character?
1 SAMUEL 12:3-4
Behold, here I am: witness against me before the LORD, and before his anointed: whose ox have I taken? or whose ass have I taken? or whom have I defrauded? whom have I oppressed? or of whose hand have I received any bribe to blind mine eyes therewith? and I will restore it you.
And they said, Thou hast not defrauded us, nor oppressed us, neither hast thou taken ought of any man’s hand.
ACTS. 20:33-34
I have coveted no man’s silver, or gold, or apparel.
Yea, ye yourselves know, that these hands have ministered unto my necessities, and to them that were with me.
In these two passages, Samuel was handing over to King Saul while Paul the apostle was leaving the Ephesus church. They were bold to challenge the people of their integrity. How many people in authority can boldly say that?
Your integrity will be tested when no one sees you.
In Genesis 39:7-9 Joseph showed integrity by not submitting to the temptation of his master’s wife. You may show integrity where people can see you, but what you do in secret is seen by God and your sin will eventually be made known.
Proverbs 20:7 The just man walketh in his integrity: his children are blessed after him.
A life of integrity is a life of peace of mind in the Lord Jesus.
A person of integrity will avoid sin and will please the Lord.
Are you living in sin and where will you spend eternity?
Come to Jesus today for an assurance of eternal life and he will give you a new start.
