In a world of compromise, it is difficult to find people who will stand and fight for their conviction and what they think is right. It is now rare to meet people of integrity.

The Scripture gives examples of people who have exhibited integrity during their time. David was known as a leader who shepherded His people with integrity of heart (Psalm 78:72). Job, despite being tested and losing everything he had, remained committed to God and therefore did not sin (Job 2:3). Daniel was not willing to compromise his values and standards even if it meant death.

What is integrity?

Integrity, according to the Oxford dictionary, is the state of being whole and undivided. It is the quality of being honest and having strong moral principles.

As followers of Christ, we are to lead our lives with integrity. Hypocrisy should not be a part of our vocabulary. The way we present ourselves to the public must be consistent with the way we conduct our lives in private. What others see is what they get. The words that come out of our mouth should match our actions.

When we make commitments, do we follow through? Can our clients trust us with our words? Are we honest with our business dealings to the last word and exact amount we have agreed upon? Do we fulfill the promises we make?

Integrity is an acknowledgement that God sees everything, He knows our hearts and He judges our actions. It is having the fear of the Lord in our hearts that to compromise is not and will never be an option.

Zig Ziglar, a famous salesman and motivational speaker, once said that with integrity you have nothing to fear, since you have nothing to hide and with integrity, you will do the right thing, so you will have no guilt. He added that it is true that integrity alone won’t make you a leader, but without integrity you will never be one.

We are called to become leaders where God has placed us. But we will only become successful and great leaders if we have integrity of heart and godly character.

John Macarthur, a pastor and an author uttered, “According to Scripture, virtually everything that truly qualifies a person for leadership is directly related to character. It’s not about style, status, personal charisma, clout or worldly measurements of success. Integrity is the main issue that makes the difference between a good leader and a bad one.”

There is a reward for integrity. Proverbs 2:6-8 says, “For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding; he stores up sound wisdom for the upright; he is shield to those who walk in integrity, guarding the paths of justice and watching over the way of his saints.” And He is a God who is true to His promises.

May we become like David, Daniel and Job in workplaces and in this generation.