Integrity

[mendown]

I would love to hear everyone’s thoughts on integrity, and the meaning of the word. Because as I have been searching the so-called Christian community for the past 20 years, from the inside, I have found little to none. In fact if I have found any, it has been from the guys or gals sweeping the floors. The words that keep ringing in my head are, “Vomit you out of my mouth” because you are neither hot nor cold. Then there is, “White washed tombs”.

I wonder what the True light of Jesus Christ would expose if He walked through our American churches today.

When I speak to the lost, I am ashamed to call myself a Christian.

 

[soblessed53]

I would consider integrity to mean the courage and determination to stick by your beliefs/principles. Yes,the vast majority of Christians today are "lukewarm",and don't have any convictions to stick to, but I will never say that I am ashamed to call myself a Christian! The lost can tell the difference between someone who is lukewarm, and someone who is "on fire" for the Lord. So all we can do, is let our light shine and be a living example.

 

[repentandbelieve]

I would love to hear everyone’s thoughts on integrity, and the meaning of the word. Because as I have been searching the so-called Christian community for the past 20 years, from the inside, I have found little to none. In fact if I have found any, it has been from the guys or gals sweeping the floors. The words that keep ringing in my head are, “Vomit you out of my mouth” because you are neither hot nor cold. Then there is, “White washed tombs”.

I wonder what the True light of Jesus Christ would expose if He walked through our American churches today.

When I speak to the lost, I am ashamed to call myself a Christian.

An honest persons actions are guided by underlying principles, and integrity is the steadfast adherence to these principles.In all the details of life, Christians are to follow the principles of strict integrity. These are not the principles that govern the world; for there Satan is master, and his principles of deception and oppression bear sway. But Christians serve under a different Master, and their actions must be wrought in God. Those who are restrained and guided by the moral and religious principles plainly laid down in God's Word walk in accordance with the mind and will of God, who is too wise to err and too good to do us harm.

A person may not have a pleasant exterior, they may be deficient in many other respects, but if they have a reputation for straightforward honesty, they will be respected. Stern integrity will cover many objectionable traits of character. A person who steadfastly adheres to truth will earn the trust of others. Not only will their brethren in the faith trust them, but unbelievers will be constrained to acknowledge them as a person of honor.

 

[pdudgeon]

I am wondering here what is it that you expected to find. It is good to look for integrity, but on this side of heaven it is much easier to find grace.

 

[BlueJ]

I am wondering here what is it that you expected to find. It is good to look for integrity, but on this side of heaven it is much easier to find grace.

Good one pdudeon very good.

Intergrity is truly holding on to honesty, truth, and uprightness. christians need to hold on to their belief in God and what he stands for. The problem is some christians dont hold on, some step off track off Gods foot steps and go their own ways they try to do what they want to do see things their way, not Gods way.
You should know that we live in a corrupt world and in a corrupt world could disturb the spirit. Please dont be deceived that christians are failurs. Remimber immatate our Lord Jesus not others if you think the dont live by intergity. One day we will in a place where we want worry to much. God bless .

 

[Hisbygrace]

What truly wonderful explanations of integrity. I too would never be ashamed to
call myself a Christian. Believers as well as unbelievers can see the actions of a
person and know their honesty and precepts. Christ will shine through!

 

[azzy]

I would love to hear everyone’s thoughts on integrity, and the meaning of the word. Because as I have been searching the so-called Christian community for the past 20 years, from the inside, I have found little to none. In fact if I have found any, it has been from the guys or gals sweeping the floors. The words that keep ringing in my head are, “Vomit you out of my mouth” because you are neither hot nor cold. Then there is, “White washed tombs”.

I wonder what the True light of Jesus Christ would expose if He walked through our American churches today.

When I speak to the lost, I am ashamed to call myself a Christian.

I know the feeling,christians where I work are so disgusting and have no shame.They cuss like drunken sailors,and then say thankyou Lord,with no second thought .They are such hypocrites.They laugh and talk about you and are unpleasant to be around.

Pagans and witches act better than they do by a long shot.and if God judges the pagans,he will have to punish the christians first,because they are worse than everyone else.

But not all,a few are kind hearted and loving .

 

[Boss_BlueAngels]

You know what... I have to say that I completely understand (and agree) with Mendown's last statement, When I speak to the lost, I am ashamed to call myself a Christian.



There is a lot of truth in everything this person said regarding Christian socitey today. I couldn't have said these things better. Look at all the arguing we have WITHIN our own fellowship? I mean come on... look at the Public schooling vs. Christian schooling issue ALONE! There is enough heat there to put the sun to shame! Yeah, I'm sure that's what God wants... all us Christians sitting here going, "my school is better" "no MY school is better" Bible School Christians think Public schools are Hell on earth and a free rampage of non-Christians, and the christians at public schools are offended because the Bible School Christians hate non-Christians, and Christians who associate with non-Christians. (To sum up the argument in the fewest possible words anyway) That's real productive.

Also, look at all the Christians out there yelling at the homosexuals telling them all they're going straight to Hell. yeah, another expert tip on helping someone is to tell them they're going to Hell. that always makes the other person fell all warm and fuzzy on the inside. I certainly know that when someone tells me I'm a stupid moron it makes me feel so good I want to instantly start doing whatever they are doing and get learned. Doesn't it work for you? When you tell someone who is homosexual that you're Christian, it automaticaly comes with an apology for the "rest" of Christianity. It's very, very sad. It's like your murderer looking at you with a lovely smile saying, "I love you" as they pull the trigger.

Extreme Christians think that secular music (anything for that matter) is the Devil. Great more arguments among our own Family, that looks real great to the non-believers looking in. They even picket secular rock concerts telling everybody in line to stop living their lives of sin because they're going straight to hell. Uh yeah, way to go proving that "non-judgmental" stereotype wrong fella!

many Christians think "the ministry" is only working behind a pulpit and baptizing people. More and more it almost seems to be another term simply to discriminate those who are actually "working for God" and those working for ourselves.

Look at the Christians they sho on TV shows. They're people who think everything but the family dog is going straight to Hell... or will make you go to hell. They are loud, abnoxious, extremely hypocritical, un-educated, and narrowminded. Gee folks, THAT is how America looks at us and THAT is why it is almost embarassing to say you're a Christian.


So, in response to his post, AMEN!


And to answer, I believe that integrity is standing up for what you believe to be right and true. It also means being respectful, honest, and ACCEPTING.


P.S. It should be noted that dispite the above, I am still NOT ashamed to admit my faith, but is very sad that it has to come with an apology for the reputation others have made. It's almost automatic, "Im a Christian and no, I do not hate you."

 

[azzy]

Even though the christians where I work are mostly hypocrites,and even though I have no desire to be around them,let alone attend the same church as them,and even though they disgust me,,,,,,I am however not ashamed to be called a christian,nor am I ashamed to be identified with Christ.I wont blame the Lord for the hypocracy of those who claim to follow him.And they are a worldly bunch,the christians where I work.But unfortunatly they are worse than the ones who are not saved.I wont forsake the Lord because of anothers hypocracy.

I will always be identified with Christ,because I love him and he was faithfull to not be ashamed to be identified with me.So the least I can do is not be ashamed of him,because he deserves at least that.(and so much more)

I love the Lord.

 

[Hisbygrace]

I do know that there are a lot of Christians that act as though their not,
but it is wrong to judge the whole Christian community by what you see
in some. There are really Christians that strive to obey God's word and
endeavor to walk in His steps, but we are all human here in this land and
sometimes we stumble and fall. Lets not judge the majority over a few.

 

[brinny]

I would love to hear everyone’s thoughts on integrity, and the meaning of the word. Because as I have been searching the so-called Christian community for the past 20 years, from the inside, I have found little to none. In fact if I have found any, it has been from the guys or gals sweeping the floors. The words that keep ringing in my head are, “Vomit you out of my mouth” because you are neither hot nor cold. Then there is, “White washed tombs”.

I wonder what the True light of Jesus Christ would expose if He walked through our American churches today.

When I speak to the lost, I am ashamed to call myself a Christian.

It seems your thread is similar to what has been heavy on my heart recently. This present darkness, blindness, deaf ears, that I see in my own church is disheartening. I just requested prayer for this very thing.....direction on whether I stay at my church or not.

I gotta pray some more......boy do I need His wisdom and grace....

 

[repentandbelieve]

You know what... I have to say that I completely understand (and agree) with Mendown's last statement, When I speak to the lost, I am ashamed to call myself a Christian.



There is a lot of truth in everything this person said regarding Christian socitey today. I couldn't have said these things better. Look at all the arguing we have WITHIN our own fellowship? I mean come on... look at the Public schooling vs. Christian schooling issue ALONE! There is enough heat there to put the sun to shame! Yeah, I'm sure that's what God wants... all us Christians sitting here going, "my school is better" "no MY school is better" Bible School Christians think Public schools are Hell on earth and a free rampage of non-Christians, and the christians at public schools are offended because the Bible School Christians hate non-Christians, and Christians who associate with non-Christians. (To sum up the argument in the fewest possible words anyway) That's real productive.

Also, look at all the Christians out there yelling at the homosexuals telling them all they're going straight to Hell. yeah, another expert tip on helping someone is to tell them they're going to Hell. that always makes the other person fell all warm and fuzzy on the inside. I certainly know that when someone tells me I'm a stupid moron it makes me feel so good I want to instantly start doing whatever they are doing and get learned. Doesn't it work for you? When you tell someone who is homosexual that you're Christian, it automaticaly comes with an apology for the "rest" of Christianity. It's very, very sad. It's like your murderer looking at you with a lovely smile saying, "I love you" as they pull the trigger.

Extreme Christians think that secular music (anything for that matter) is the Devil. Great more arguments among our own Family, that looks real great to the non-believers looking in. They even picket secular rock concerts telling everybody in line to stop living their lives of sin because they're going straight to hell. Uh yeah, way to go proving that "non-judgmental" stereotype wrong fella!

many Christians think "the ministry" is only working behind a pulpit and baptizing people. More and more it almost seems to be another term simply to discriminate those who are actually "working for God" and those working for ourselves.

Look at the Christians they sho on TV shows. They're people who think everything but the family dog is going straight to Hell... or will make you go to hell. They are loud, abnoxious, extremely hypocritical, un-educated, and narrowminded. Gee folks, THAT is how America looks at us and THAT is why it is almost embarassing to say you're a Christian.


So, in response to his post, AMEN!


And to answer, I believe that integrity is standing up for what you believe to be right and true. It also means being respectful, honest, and ACCEPTING.


P.S. It should be noted that dispite the above, I am still NOT ashamed to admit my faith, but is very sad that it has to come with an apology for the reputation others have made. It's almost automatic, "Im a Christian and no, I do not hate you."

"For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise." 2 Cor. 10:12.

Many measure themselves among themselves, and compare their lives with the lives of others. This should not be. No one but Christ is to be given as an example. He is the true pattern to follow after and point others toward. So let us keep a single eye to the glory of God.

Secondly, Christians are not accountable for any of the sins of their brethren, unless their example has caused them to stumble.

Lastly, lets not forget that were it not for Christ's atoning sacrifice, there would be nothing in any of us in which God could delight. Many, in their close watch to discover the faults of their brethren, neglect the investigation of their own hearts and the purification of their own lives. Satan exults, because he knows that if he can set brother to watch brother in the church and in the ministry some will be so disheartened and discouraged as to leave their posts of duty.

 

[heartnsoul]

Integrity is upholding God's values and doing what is right in God's eyes. Like others have said, we live in a fallen world where sin is everywhere. That is why it is so important to "never grow weary of doing good." Don't be discouraged. God needs those who do have integrity to "fight the good fight" and be the light to those who live in darkness.

Never be ashamed to be a Christian. It's the people without integrity are the ones that should be ashamed. Woe to the hypocrites. We will all be held accountable to God someday and the best thing we can do is have compassion for those who are lost because they will never be truly happy and at peace until they commit themselves 100% to God.

When you start feeling negative about life, it's usually a sign that you need to take a step back, regroup and hang out with us folks in the Deeper Fellowship section to get your Spirits rejuvenated again.

That's the power and beauty of this Deeper Fellowship group, they are truly deeply rooted in God and are here to share His love with everyone. All of us get bogged down sometimes with the world's problems and feel like the world is so grim. But take heart, know that God has already secured the victory. Realize that one person will never be able to change the whole word, but if you could positively impact one person at a time, that's what is important. By all of us (one by one) doing our share, we can make the world a better place.

Hang out in this forum for a while until you're refreshed to go back into battle again. God bless you.

 

[Shadowcat]

I define integrity simply as practising what one preaches.

 

[HoT-MetaL]

Integrity is doing what you believe is correct by Christ's standards in all circumstances.

God Bless, metal.

 

[repentandbelieve]

There is no other book that teaches a person what integrity is, how to preserve their integrity of character, to be truthful, to practice no deception, than the Bible.

It will teach him that he must never transgress God's law in order to accomplish a desired object, even though to obey involves a sacrifice. It will teach him that the blessing of heaven will not rest upon him if he departs from the path of doing right; that although men may appear to prosper in disobedience, they will surely reap the fruit of their sowing.

 

[Just Me Garry]

Good question. We should examine ourselves to see if we are in the faith.

2 Cor 13:5-8
5 Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?
6 But I trust that ye shall know that we are not reprobates.
7 Now I pray to God that ye do no evil; not that we should appear approved, but that ye should do that which is honest, though we be as reprobates.
8 For we can do nothing against the truth, but for the truth.
KJV


The true test of integrity is this:

Ps 15
15:1 A Psalm of David.
LORD, who shall abide in thy tabernacle? who shall dwell in thy holy hill?
2 He that walketh uprightly, and worketh righteousness, and speaketh the truth in his heart.
3 He that backbiteth not with his tongue, nor doeth evil to his neighbour, nor taketh up a reproach against his neighbour.
4 In whose eyes a vile person is contemned; but he honoureth them that fear the LORD. He that sweareth to his own hurt, and changeth not.
5 He that putteth not out his money to usury, nor taketh reward against the innocent. He that doeth these things shall never be moved.
KJV

 

[brinny]

Good question. We should examine ourselves to see if we are in the faith.

2 Cor 13:5-8
5 Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?
6 But I trust that ye shall know that we are not reprobates.
7 Now I pray to God that ye do no evil; not that we should appear approved, but that ye should do that which is honest, though we be as reprobates.
8 For we can do nothing against the truth, but for the truth.
KJV


The true test of integrity is this:

Ps 15
15:1 A Psalm of David.
LORD, who shall abide in thy tabernacle? who shall dwell in thy holy hill?
2 He that walketh uprightly, and worketh righteousness, and speaketh the truth in his heart.
3 He that backbiteth not with his tongue, nor doeth evil to his neighbour, nor taketh up a reproach against his neighbour.
4 In whose eyes a vile person is contemned; but he honoureth them that fear the LORD. He that sweareth to his own hurt, and changeth not.
5 He that putteth not out his money to usury, nor taketh reward against the innocent. He that doeth these things shall never be moved.
KJV

Amen and amen

 

[Just Me Garry]

Zech 8:16-17

16 These are the things that ye shall do; Speak ye every man the truth to his neighbour; execute the judgment of truth and peace in your gates:

17 And let none of you imagine evil in your hearts against his neighbour; and love no false oath: for all these are things that I hate, saith the LORD.
KJV

 

[soblessed53]

I do know that there are a lot of Christians that act as though their not,
but it is wrong to judge the whole Christian community by what you see
in some. There are really Christians that strive to obey God's word and
endeavor to walk in His steps, but we are all human here in this land and
sometimes we stumble and fall. Lets not judge the majority over a few.

Reps to you for a beautiful response. My last church just went though a merge and a split,yet I believe everyone of us still loves each other and if anything happens to one of us I believe everyone will be there to help.Thankfully,I have known of very few Christians that are like those negatively described on this thread,most are as you described, and striving to walk the walk and are so loving and caring. What I have seen more of that hurts me,is lukewarmness,or APATHY,not out and out living a sinful lifestyle.