Character & Integrity

Matthew 7:^15-16 “Be wary of false preachers who smile a lot, dripping with practiced sincerity. Chances are they are out to rip you off some way or other. Don’t be impressed with charisma; look for character.” (MSG)

In choosing or in joining a team, firstly, Choose People Who Want To Love And Serve God. And secondly, Choose People Committed To Growing In Character. Yesterday, I shared with you three things I see in people who are committed to growing in character. These are things you should also look out for when joining or choosing a team. The acronym for these three things is H. I. G.  ‘H’ is for “Humility”, ‘I’ is for “Integrity”, and ‘G’ is for “Generosity”.

H for Humility: Proverbs 3:³⁴ “He has no use for conceited people, but shows favour to those who are humble.” (GNT, emphasis added). God has no use for conceited people. Wow, that is huge! When people are arrogant, when people are conceited, God says, ‘Sorry, I cannot use you’. But God shows favour to those who are humble. I for Integrity: Proverbs 10:⁹ “People with integrity have firm footing, but those who follow crooked paths will slip and fall.”  (NLT, LB, emphasis added). The feet of people with integrity are both sure and secure. In the Name of Jesus, you will not slip and fall. Integrity simply means, be true to yourself.

A shirt that is one hundred percent (100%) linen has linen integrity. If a dress is one hundred percent (100%) cotton, it has cotton integrity. So, if a shirt is ninety percent (90%) cotton meanwhile the label reads one hundred percent (100%) cotton, that shirt lacks integrity. Be true to yourself; if you are cotton be cotton, if you are linen be linen. Integrity is derived from the word integer which means a whole number. If you are whole be whole. G for Generosity: Proverbs 22:⁹ “Generous people will be blessed, because they share their food with the poor.” (NCV). In addition to choosing people who want to love God and serve God, choose people who are committed to growing in character –in humility, integrity, and generosity.

The third thing is, Choose People Who Do What Is Right Even When It Is Hard. Sometimes, doing what is right is difficult, hard. Deuteronomy 12:²⁸ “If you obey these laws, you will be doing what the Lord your God says is right and good. Then he will help you and your descendants be successful.” (CEV). In other words, if you are careful to obey whatever God commands, then you will be doing what is right and good in God’s eyes (not in people’s eyes). Then, He, God, will help you, and your children, to be successful.

Prayer:  Father, help me to grow in character, humility, discipline, integrity, and in generosity, in Jesus Name. Amen!