Integrity in a World of Compromise

The Text in Context

Bob Utley, "Psalm 101) From the series Psalms: The Hymnal of Israel, Book IV (Psalms 90-106).

https://bit.ly/2HuVLeg

"King David Playing the Harp" by Gerard van Honthorst, 1622. Centraal Museum, Utrecht, Netherlands.

Cliff Huxtable and Bill Cosby

Wesley Morris, "Cliff Huxtable Was Bill Cosby’s Sickest Joke" The New York Times, April 26, 2018.

https://nyti.ms/2JwcURn

Bill Cosby and Dual Natures

Ted Williams, III, "Bill Cosby and Dual Natures" Think Christian, December 17, 2015.

https://bit.ly/2r5GKFT

The Origin of "Hypocrite"

"The Origin of Hypocrite" Merriam-Webster Dictionary.

https://bit.ly/2FrkF96

Greek Mask

You can't be the me you want to be if the life you're living is a lie.

Psalms 101:1-2 NIV

1. Make…

1. Make a wholehearted promise to God to live with integrity.

"I will…" Decide in advance to live with integrity.

For Reflection/Discussion: How would you define integrity? What is the difference between character and reputation? Which is more important to you? How many times do the words "I will" appear in Psalm 101? Why are these words important? Ted Williams writes in his Think Christian article, "Compartmentalization is the ability for a person to place pieces of their lives in different sections. We all do it to some degree, yet most of us try to live with some kind of transcendent moral standards and personal integrity… " How does compartmentalizing different parts of our lives undermine our integrity? Why is it important to decide in advance to be a person of integrity?

2. Develop…

2. Develop habits that build character and reinforce integrity.

Psalms 101:3-8 NIV

Habits That Build Character:

• Stay clear of anything that will tempt you to evil.

• Avoid arrogance, anger, self-righteousness, and pride.

• Surround yourself with godly influences and positive people.

• Tell the truth and expect it from others.

• Consider the devastating consequences that come from moral failure.

Proverbs 10:9 NIV

Proverbs 11:3 NIV

For Reflection/Discussion: How do our habits positively or negatively impact our lives? What are some habits that contribute to building our character and reinforcing integrity? What are habits that might undermine godly character formation? As you think about the me you want to be, what habits do you need to adopt, eliminate, or change in order to become that person?

3. Understand…

3. Understand that integrity doesn’t shield or protect us from false or unfair accusations.

Matthew 22:15-17 NIV

People don't always see us as we are; they may see us as they are.

Anyway: The Paradoxical Commandments

Dr. Kent M. Keith's "Anyway: The Paradoxical Commandments"

https://bit.ly/1Jan7Rx

For Reflection/Discussion: Have you ever been misunderstood or been the object of false or unfair accusations? How did you react or respond to the situation? Why is it important to know that living with integrity doesn't guarantee smooth sailing? What are your thoughts and feelings on Kent Keith's Paradoxical Commandments?

4. Acknowledge…

4. Acknowledge your sins and shortcomings to God.

Psalms 51:1-17 NIV

For Reflection/Discussion: Despite David's heartfelt promises to God (Psalm 101.2), he failed to live up to his ideals (see 2 Samuel 11-12). How so? Why? What were the consequences? In Acts 13.22 God refers to David as "a man after my own heart." How does God's assessment of David square with David's behavior? Have you ever broken a promise to God or failed to live up to your ideals? How did the experience affect you? What can Psalm 51 teach us about the process of moral failure and restoration?

5. Recognize…

5. Recognize your need for Christ and authentically accept him as Savior and Lord.

1 Chronicles 29:17 NIV

For Reflection/Discussion: Jesus is the only person who has ever lived a life of perfect integrity. Why was that important for our salvation? Believing in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord is not just an idea we assent to, but a reality upon which we are meant to build our lives. What is the difference between intellectually assenting to a belief in Jesus and authentically embracing and building your life on that belief? Are you falling back on a second-hand, hearsay faith of someone else, or are you building your life on a heartfelt, personal trust in Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord? Why is the integration of head and heart essential if we are to live our faith with integrity? (See 1 Chronicles 29.17a)