Integrity

Edward Everett Hale, the distinguished poet and former Chaplain of the U.S. Senate, eloquently captured the essence of every American’s duty: “I am only one, but I am one. I cannot do everything, but I can do something. What I can do, that I ought to do. And what I ought to do, by the grace of God, I shall do.” Source unknown

Key Passage: Titus 2:7-8 “In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine [shewing] uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity, Sound speech, that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you.”

I. Pattern of Good works
Good: excellent, commendable
Works: an act, deed, thing done
a) Matt 5:16 = having good works won’t get you saved, but others will see them. This will give you the opportunity to not only help people, but plant the seed of the gospel in their lives.
b) Jam 2:18 = Works are required for us to show the world our light. We cannot keep our faith to ourselves. Faith will not grow if it is not exercised.
II. In doctrine (teachings) shewing (your lifestyle, how you conduct yourself):
1) Uncorruptness (only time used in the Bible)
incorruptibility, soundness,
2) Gravity
the characteristic of a thing or person which entitles to reverence and respect, dignity, majesty, sanctity
3) Sincerity Phil 1:9-11
freedom from deceit, hypocrisy, or duplicity (www.dictionary.com)
4) Sound speech
Sound: metaph. teaching which does not deviate from the truth

This is not an easy thing to be done in ones life. But through constant study of the scriptures and prayer, God can help you achieve the above characteristics in your life. 2 Timothy 3:15-16 tells us the scripture is profitable to teach us, to show us what we are doing wrong, to tell us how to do it correctly and give us the tools to live "the condition acceptable to God" (Blue Letter Bible. "Dictionary and Word Search for dikaiosynē (Strong's 1343)". Blue Letter Bible. 1996-2009. 16 Jun 2009).

Till death

Job Chapter 27:5 “…till I die I will not remove mine integrity from me.”

Integrity: adherence to moral and ethical principles

Job went through a lot. He lost all of his wealth, his children, his servants and his health. His own wife told him to curse God and die (Job 2:9). But through all the pain, the loss and emptiness he never once considered straying from his integrity. The LORD recognized this and mentions it in Job 2:3. What are we going through in our lives? Is it worse than Job? Have we stuck to our integrity? God is always with us, He does not leave us nor forsake us (Hebrews 13:5). Why at the first sign of adversity do we not run to Him? Throw away our integrity and our testimony? Psalm 46:1 tells us, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” When the trouble comes, when the trials are set before us, when the floods wash us away from our comfort zone; remember God is ready and willing to help and to be our shelter. Never look to man to comfort you and help you during those difficult times. Man will fail, but God cannot. May God give you the peace (Psalm 29:11) and rest (Matthew 11:28) that you need from whatever may be going on in your life. Lean on Him, and you will maintain your integrity as well as be a witness to many others.