Restoring Civility: Walking in Integrity Part 1

Restoring Civility

Walking in Integrity

Proverbs is filled with the wisdom we need for living among people. Let’s take a look at a few verses from King Solomon and see what we can discover about integrity.

Integrity will lead you to success and happiness,

but treachery will destroy your dreams. (Proverbs 11:3, TPT)

This kind of integrity is rooted in our faith and our position in Jesus, so it changes the way we respond to those around us. For instance, it shapes our reaction when we are confronted with slanderous political speech. Who we are in Christ reminds us of whom we represent. As ambassadors of the kingdom of heaven, we are called to a holiness that this world doesn’t understand. In the midst of cultural chaos, integrity is a key to our living in a way that pleases the Lord.

Peacemaker Ministries – Restoring Civility

Walking in Integrity

Better is the poor who walks in his integrity

than he who is crooked and two-faced, though he is rich. (Proverbs 28:6, AMP)

In this verse, King Solomon tells us that integrity with poverty is far more valuable than having riches and a two-faced heart. When faced with the onslaught of slanderous speech and what people are touting as “fake news,” we have a choice to make in our hearts and minds. We get to follow the truth of God’s Word and how He desires us to live on the earth, while resisting the temptation to engage in hurtful dialogue.

Peacemaker Ministries – Restoring Civility

Walking in Integrity

So above all, guard the affections of your heart,

for they affect all that you are.

Pay attention to the welfare of your innermost being,

for from there flows the wellspring of life. (Proverbs 4:23, TPT)

This might be my favorite verse about integrity. Who is in charge of guarding your heart? You are. Why? Because the heart represents all that you are. For each of us, our very being flows out from our heart; therefore we must be diligent to guard it. Maybe you’re thinking, “But how do we do that?” Great question. I encourage you to spend time each day with your Bible, maybe a cup of coffee, and sit with the Lord. If you begin to ask him questions like, “Father, what is on your heart today?” you’ll find that he will answer you. In these daily encounters, he will enlarge your heart. The intimacy that develops will be worth so much to you that you will naturally begin to guard your heart.