In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us.

Titus 2:7-8 (NIV)

Integrity has been commonly defined as doing the right thing even when no one is looking. The question is though, what is the “right thing”? Thankfully, God’s definition provides a little more detail.

God tells us that we should:

– be an example of good deeds (Matthew 5:14-16)

– live faithfully in God’s word (2 Timothy 3:16-17)

– be serious, dignified, sincere (Romans 12:9; Proverbs 31:25)

– sound in speech, honest, wise (Proverbs 17:27, 2 Corinthians 4:2)

These things God tells us will make us beyond reproach. There will be nothing negative the adversary can say about us or use against us. In essence, we will be right in the eyes of God and man.

We don’t have to look very far to find nonexamples of God’s design for living. We see news of corruption every day and we witness and sometimes even feel the impact of corruption’s destructive nature in the world around us.

As we grow ourselves as parents and leaders and teachers and friends, let us steer clear of the destructive nature of corruption – selfishness, pride, dishonesty, unfaithfulness, crudeness – and stare directly into the heart of purity, Christ Jesus, instead. After all, just like driving a car, in our lives we steer where we stare. Let us become women and men after God’s own heart! Let us live a life beyond reproach by living the life God desires of us! Let us bring healing to a world that longs for more men and women of integrity!

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