Integrity

Psalm 41:12

As for me, You uphold me in my integrity,

And set me before Your face forever.

Just a little follow-up on the thoughts regarding holiness - here are the spiritual blessings that come from integrity. I am only using scriptures from the books of Psalms and Proverbs:

You will dwell in the Lord’s presence—Ps 15:1–2; 41:12

You will be preserved (protected) by your integrity—Ps 25:21

You will be vindicated—Ps 26:1

You will have peace—Ps 37:37

You will have every good thing—Ps 84:11

You will serve the Lord—Ps 101:6

You will be blessed—Ps 119:1

You will have the Lord as your shield—Pr 2:7

You will walk with safety and security—Pr 10:9

You will have guidance—Pr 11:3

You will be the delight of the Lord—Pr 11:20

You will be guarded by righteousness 13:6

You will bring blessing upon your children—Pr 20:7

You will be saved—Pr 28:18 

The Webster Dictionary definition of integrity: moral soundness, excellence or purity, uprightness, honesty. Integrity comprehends the whole moral character. As a person's integrity is, so is their character.

The Biblical understanding of integrity also includes the concept of  being made complete, perfect or innocent.

David wrote Psalm 25 during a time of great difficulty and trouble. He finishes up by saying: 

Ps 25:21

Let integrity and uprightness preserve me,

For I wait for You (NKJV).

Use all your skill to put me together;

I wait to see your finished product. (Message)

Through integrity, David was made whole and preserved...he was interested to see what God would do on the inside and out. Even through hard times, the Lord can do His wonders by perfecting, completing and purifying us.

Be more concerned with your character than your reputation...

because your character is what you really are...

while your reputation is merely what others think you are.
John Wooden (b. 1910)

It takes great courage to live a life of integrity -

but those who watch the growth of integrity within you will enjoy it's fruits forever

You do not wake up one morning a bad person. 

It happens by a thousand tiny surrenders of self-respect to self-interest.

~Robert Brault •www.robertbrault.com