Bible Reading: Proverbs 11: 1-31
“The integrity of the upright shall guide them…” – Proverbs 11:3a(KJV)
The new Webster Dictionary define integrity as moral soundness, probity and quality or state of being unimpaired. On the other hand an upright person is a morally honourable personality. Integrity is a product of uprightness. Lack of integrity has become the norm in a perverse and depraved society as epitomised by the last days activities. There are great rewards for integrity and uprightness. “The integrity of the upright shall guide them…..” Proverbs 11:3(KJV). So we have the reward of guidance and divine direction. A froward and perverse person cannot exhibit any element of integrity. Integrity resides in uprightness.
Humility is also a product of godliness. In Psalm 25:9(KJV) the bible says, “The meek will he guide in judgment: and the meek will he teach his way.” God’s way is in his direction and leading. When God leads you, you cannot miss your way. He has a perfect knowledge of the way and will perfectly guide you. It is also said that the righteousness of the perfect shall direct his way (proverbs 11:5).
Integrity and uprightness also preserves as a reward. Psalm 25:21(KJV): “Let integrity and uprightness preserve me; for I wait on thee.” When we live an upright life and uphold integrity, we become a candidate for divine protection. We are preserved by the Almighty because we reflect his glory. That is why the bible says in Psalm 125:1: “They that trust in the LORD shall be as mount Zion, which cannot be removed, but abideth forever.” God’s sworn word of protection and preservation is upon the life of integrity and uprightness. Integrity and uprightness delivers from trouble. In Proverbs 11:5a&8a(KJV) the bible says: “ The righteousness of the upright shall deliver them…. The righteous is delivered out of trouble….” The blessings of the upright extends to the entire city where he dwells (Proverbs 11:11).
Despite these attendant rewards for the integrity of the upright, the society remains predominated by lack of integrity. The absence of integrity has become the bane of society. Government has failed and collapsed because of the absence of integrity. Wars and death of millions has resulted from the absence of integrity. People are dying per second per second in government hospitals for lack of drugs to treat patients as corrupt government officials have stolen the national treasury dry. The entire spectrum of the human race has failed the integrity test. The society is getting more and more complex. The complexity of the society has built up into a crescendo of perilous activities that is sending fear and shock waves across the land. This, in itself, is bringing about fulfilment of the prophecies concerning the end times.
My dear friend it pays to have integrity and live uprightly. It attracts divine favour. You cannot practice integrity with a perverted heart that is why you need to surrender to the Lordship of Jesus Christ who died to save you from destruction.
Prayer: Father endue me with the Spirit of Holiness so as to enable me live uprightly in the integrity of my heart.
Rev. Julius Oluwole