People of Integrity: An Endangered Virtue

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In The Day America Told the Truth, James Patterson and Peter Kim reported that 91% Americans admitted they routinely lie about matters they considered trivial and more than a third admitted lying about important matters. Their survey also revealed widespread dishonesty in our closest relationships. Eighty-six percent admitted lying regularly to their parents, 75% to friends, 73% to siblings, and 69% to their spouses. What do these statistics demonstrate?  The statistics indicate that dishonesty—whether by shading the truth, exaggerating, making promises you don't intend to keep, making up excuses, or betraying confidences—has become an accepted part of everyday life.

 

Americans might trivialize honesty, but God certainly does not. In Proverbs 6:17, “A lying tongue” (6:17), and “a false witness who speaks lies” (6:19) are among the seven things “the Lord hates” (6:16).  Solomon also wrote, “Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord, But those who deal truthfully are His delight” (Prov. 12:22).

Consistent with God's delight in those who deal truthfully are the many passages calling His people to put away dishonesty and live with integrity. Paul wrote, "Therefore, putting away lying, 'Let each one of you speak truth with his neighbor,' for we are members of one another" (Eph. 4:25). He also instructed Titus, and by implication every Christian, to be "a pattern of good works," demonstrating "integrity... sincerity... sound speech that cannot be condemned" (Tit. 2:7-8).

 

This call to radical integrity is reflected in Jesus’ words, "But let your 'Yes' be 'Yes,' and your 'No,' 'No.' For whatever is more than these is from the evil one" (Matt. 5:37). Why? The Law of Moses permitted oaths and expected them to be honored (Num. 30:2; Deut. 23:21). By Jesus' day, however, the religious leaders had corrupted their purpose, creating loopholes that allowed people to appear truthful while avoiding their promises (Matt. 5:34-37; 23:16-22). Jesus called His disciples back to radical integrity. Simply tell the truth, keep your word, and let honesty be your everyday standard in life.

 

So whether it be a trivial matter or an important one, "say what you mean, and mean what you say," realizing that God has called us to be people of radical integrity.

Integrity might be an endangered virtue in America, but as long as we live as the people of integrity God has called us to be, we can make sure it never becomes extinct.

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Written by Craig Ressler