The importance of Integrity

The Chinese built the Great Wall of China to prevent their enemies from the north entering their land. It is remembered as one of the Seven Wonders of the ancient world. It was so high no one could climb over it. It was so thick that made it impossible in those days for anyone to break it. The Chinese were happy and they felt secure.

However, during the first one hundred years of the wall's existence, the enemies invaded China three times despite the strong high wall. No, the enemies did not climb in nor break it. They just could not. Each time the enemies marched right in through the gates. According to the historians, the Chinese spent so much time and effort to build the great wall, they neglected to teach their children the importance of integrity.

What is integrity?
1.The quality of being honest and having strong moral principles; moral uprightness.
2.The state of being whole and undivided: "territorial integrity".
Synonyms: honesty - probity - entirety - rectitude - wholeness.

Integrity is a value that an individual may choose whether or not to use or demonstrate.
God wants us to be people of integrity and honour, people who are truly trustworthy. A person who has integrity does not have any hidden agendas or ulterior motives. He is true to his word and keep commitments.

We live in a time where integrity means very little or nothing to people. Today it is difficult to tell good people from the bad ones.

Integrity does not mean that a person is perfect, but it does imply the type of character that would admit wrongdoing and repent of it.

Joseph was the first son of Jacob and Rachel. Jacob loved Rachel and because of this he favoured Joseph. Because of jealousy, Joseph was sold into slavery by his brothers to the Midianites, who then sold him to Potiphar. But in the house of Potiphar Joseph’s unique talent for administration and honesty were clearly seen.

In Genesis 39, we see that Joseph was put in charge of Potiphar’s household. Because of his godly character and integrity, he found favour with Potiphar. Look at it in verses 4-6.

And Joseph found grace in his sight, and he served him: and he made him overseer over his house, and all that he had he put into his hand. And it came to pass from the time that he had made him overseer in his house, and over all that he had, that the LORD blessed the Egyptian’s house for Joseph’s sake; and the blessing of the LORD was upon all that he had in the house, and in the field. And he left all that he had in Joseph’s hand; and he knew not ought he had, save the bread which he did eat. And Joseph was a goodly person, and well favoured. – Genesis 39:4-6

Joseph’s character was such that Potiphar did not concern himself with anything but the food he ate. True character and integrity puts a person in the position to be trusted to the point that they do not need constant supervision. While there are those that say that it is difficult to maintain personal integrity in a different culture with a different value system, the clearest example of Joseph’s Integrity was when he was tempted by Potiphar’s wife. A man of lesser character would have given in. But Joseph would rather go to prison than to betray his master and his integrity.

Note his response to Potiphar’s wife in verse 9. "There is none greater in this house than I; neither has he kept back any thing from me but you, because you are his wife: how then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?" – Genesis 39:9

Think about this for a moment. He knew that if he gave in to the temptation, he would betray not only his master but more importantly his God. God held such a high position in the heart of Joseph, and because Joseph honoured God, he would honour Potiphar. Even with this temptation, he would not give in; even when the situation was such that no one else would know.

All of us have at some time or other call upon to make a decision concerning our personal integrity. Joseph teaches us that integrity means not compromising God’s standards.

"A life lived with integrity - even if it lacks the trappings of fame and fortune is a shinning star in whose light others may follow in the years to come." Denis Waitley

"Don't worry so much about your self-esteem. Worry more about your character. Integrity is its own reward." Laura Schlessinger