Why is it so important for Christian women to have and keep integrity?

Genuine Christian living, is simply emulating Jesus’ life style, which is having abundant life and true joy from our Savior, and not from the material things of this world. Growth and maturity in Christian living is actually a lot of de-cluttering and rearranging within our hearts and minds. Discovering God’s ways through His Word, opens our understanding to a much greater life that comes from righteous living.

Integrity is a necessary and essential characteristic in the life of believers. Observing and practicing what is honorable and ethical is not a casual or intermittent hobby but a commitment to excellence in character that is meant to be striven for. This is a personal decision that impacts so many areas of Christian life. The choice is ours, but God’s will is that we walk honorably at all times, as instructed in Titus 2:7 (NKJV), which says, in all things showing yourself to be a pattern of good works; in doctrine showing integrity, reverence, incorruptibility.

The powerful, life-changing message of Jesus has been watered down to allow provisions of the flesh that ought not to be so. While there are beautiful congregations of believers who adhere to sound doctrine, there are also many that are teaching a muddled message of God’s grace, robbing multitudes of the true power found in Jesus. The apostle Paul had a few words to say about that in Galatians 1:8 (NKJV) : “But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed.”

Why is it so important for Christian women to have and keep integrity?

1.We are the hands, feet, and representation of our Savior. Do others see Jesus in us? Do they see His love, peace, joy, long-suffering, and self-control? Our words, actions, and conduct should not be confusing to onlookers.

• Little white lies are not okay.

• Stealing just a little from our company is not okay.

• Gossiping about our co-workers is not okay.

• Cursing in a moment of anger is not okay.

• Flirting with the married person is not okay.

The role of women in society has changed over the years. We are not only in the home raising children anymore. We are active and relevant to nearly every area of activity around us: the workforce, church, school, after-school activities, our neighborhoods, our communities, and the list goes on.

All of it matters. 2 Corinthians 8:21 (AMPC) speaks of Paul’s conduct: “For we take thought beforehand and aim to be honest and absolutely above suspicion, not only in the sight of the Lord but also in the sight of men. “People may not always know what the Bible has to say about something, but many have a moral compass that helps them to feel if something is not right. It is our duty as children of the King to ensure others have a proper example of true Christianity.

2.We will be partakers in the true peace Jesus offers. Doing what is wrong may be easier and more convenient at times, but our own peace of mind is protected when we have pressed through difficult situations, knowing our integrity is intact. A few tiny lies or caving in to a slanderous conversation about an acquaintance may feel good to the flesh for a moment, but laying down at night, knowing we have not done any wrong to others, gives rest that can’t be bought.

Additional blessings come from our Lord when living honorably is not a part-time act, but an integral part of who we are.

3.We are shaping the next generation. Careless conduct in our lives today will become the acceptable, normal, and seemingly right conduct of tomorrow. Leading the way of righteous living is an act of love for those who need to see how it’s done. Proverbs 20:7 (NLT) reminds us that this applies to our own children as well: “The godly walk with integrity; blessed are their children who follow them!”

4.Jesus is counting on us. Being the hands and feet of Jesus is the method our Lord chose to reach the lost. There is no greater honor than to have the Lord of Glory trust us with His work. He has equipped us with the power of His Spirit to overcome our flesh and walk with integrity. Too much is at stake to consider any other way.

Love ReinaBeaty.