THE KINGDOM VALUE OF INTEGRITY
1 Kings 9:4-5 NKJV
(4) Now if you walk before Me as your father David walked, in integrity of heart and in uprightness, to do according to all that I have commanded you, and if you keep My statutes and My judgments,
(5) then I will establish the throne of your kingdom over Israel forever, as I promised David your father, saying, ‘You shall not fail to have a man on the throne of Israel.’
This passage refers to the Lord addressing Solomon, son of David, following the completion of the temple’s construction by Solomon. Solomon had asked the Lord to bless and consecrate the temple which he had built.
In God’s reply to Solomon, He affirms His blessing on the task Solomon has accomplished. However, it’s also clear that this blessing comes with certain conditions that Solomon must meet.
GOD DEMANDS INTEGRITY
Solomon was required to live before the Lord just as his father David had done. God pointed to David’s integrity, uprightness, and willingness to obey all that was asked of him. The expectation for Solomon was to follow his father’s example. In return, God promised to establish Solomon’s royal throne and leadership over Israel, reaffirming the covenant made with David—that his son would succeed him on the throne.
God’s requirement is integrity for a life of dominion and rulership in His Kingdom. The challenge before us is that if we want to live a kingdom life and rule and reign as sons of God the requirement for you and me is to have this manner of life that reflects integrity.
The very root meaning of integrity is basically to do what you say also to do the right thing when nobody is watching you. We can only come to a place of rulership and authority in the Kingdom of God if we truly embrace a lifestyle of integrity in our day to day walk in life.
2 Chronicles 16:9 NKJV
(9) For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him. In this you have done foolishly; therefore from now on you shall have wars.”
This verse clearly states that the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him.
This statement suggests an image of oversight in which individuals’ actions and behavior are observed and evaluated according to standards of integrity. It raises the question of whether, upon such assessment, one would be regarded as a person of integrity.
WHAT DOES YOUR LIFE REFLECT IN TERMS OF INTEGRITY?
I hear so often the businessmen and women speaking to one another stating that they refuse to do business with those who call themselves Christians. If you investigate you will find that so called Christians do not exercise integrity in their business dealings. They make false presentations of products and fail to pay their bills. When confronted they refuse to repent.
As so-called Christians we exaggerate, tell white lies, or embellish our stories to look good and then we expect the world out there to respect us as the church. The change starts with you and me!
Will you respond to the call of the Lord to start living a life of INTEGRITY?
Take a moment and consider what is there in your walk and actions that you need to change to demonstrate integrity as a believer.
I recommend that you consider studying the following E-Book in overcoming those areas in your life that needs to be aligned.
