Integrity

[wayfaring man]

I would love to hear everyone’s thoughts on integrity, and the meaning of the word.

Integrity- characteristic equaling : honest and hard working ( Small Dictionary Definition from memory )
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Main Entry: in·teg·ri·ty
Pronunciation: in-'te-gr&-tE
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English integrite, from Middle French & Latin; Middle French integrité, from Latin integritat-, integritas, from integr-, integer entire
1 : firm adherence to a code of especially moral or artistic values : INCORRUPTIBILITY
2 : an unimpaired condition : SOUNDNESS
3 : the quality or state of being complete or undivided : COMPLETENESS
synonym see HONESTY -- ( Modern Webster's )

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In*teg"ri*ty (?), n. [L. integritas: cf. F. intégrité. See Integer, and cf. Entirety.]

1. The state or quality of being entire or complete; wholeness; entireness; unbroken state; as, the integrity of an empire or territory. Sir T. More.

2. Moral soundness; honesty; freedom from corrupting influence or motive; -- used especially with reference to the fulfillment of contracts, the discharge of agencies, trusts, and the like; uprightness; rectitude.

The moral grandeur of independent integrity is the sublimest thing in nature. Buckminster.
Their sober zeal, integrity. and worth. Cowper.
3. Unimpaired, unadulterated, or genuine state; entire correspondence with an original condition; purity.

Language continued long in its purity and integrity. Sir M. Hale.
Syn. -- Honesty; uprightness; rectitude. See Probity. -- ( 1913 Webster's )

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INTEG'RITY, n. [L. integritas, from integer.]


1. Wholeness; entireness; unbroken state. The constitution of the U.States guaranties to each state the integrity of its territories. The contracting parties guarantied the integrity of the empire.

2. The entire, unimpaired state of any thing, particularly of the mind; moral soundness or purity; incorruptness; uprightness; honesty. Integrity comprehends the whole moral character, but has a special reference to uprightness in mutual dealings, transfers of property,and agencies for others.

The moral grandeur of independent integrity is the sublimest thing in nature, before which the pomp of eastern magnificence and the splendor of conquest are odious as well as perishable.

3. Purity; genuine, unadulterated, unimpaired state; as the integrity of language. -- ( Webster's 1828 )
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( The following are Hebrew and Greek words and their definitions , which are sometimes translated " integrity " in Scripture .)

H5228
נכח
nâkôach
naw-ko'-akh
From the same as H5226; straightforward, that is, (figuratively), equitable, correct, or (abstractly), integrity: - plain, right, uprightness.

H5229
נכחה
nekôchâh
nek-o-khaw'
Feminine of H5228; properly straight forwardness, that is, (figuratively) integrity, or (concretely) a truth: - equity, right (thing), uprightness.

H8537
תּם
tôm
tome
From H8552; completeness; figuratively prosperity; usually (morally) innocence: - full, integrity, perfect (-ion), simplicity, upright (-ly, -ness), at a venture.

H8549
תּמים
tâmîym
taw-meem'
From H8552; entire (literally, figuratively or morally); also (as noun) integrity, truth: - without blemish, complete, full, perfect, sincerely (-ity), sound, without spot, undefiled, upright (-ly), whole.

G3647
ὁλοκληρία
holoklēria
hol-ok-lay-ree'-ah
From G3648; integrity, that is, physical wholeness: - perfect soundness.

( Below are a link reference and a passage which come to mind regarding those reputed as having integrity from amongst the multitude.)

The Book of Job

And I looked, and, lo, a Lamb stood on the mount Sion, and with him an hundred forty and four thousand, having his Father's name written in their foreheads.
And I heard a voice from heaven, as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of a great thunder: and I heard the voice of harpers harping with their harps:
And they sung as it were a new song before the throne, and before the four beasts, and the elders: and no man could learn that song but the hundred and forty and four thousand, which were redeemed from the earth.
These are they which were not defiled with women; for they are virgins. These are they which follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth. These were redeemed from among men, being the firstfruits unto God and to the Lamb.
And in their mouth was found no guile: for they are without fault before the throne of God. <-----> Revelation 14:1-5

Additionally , it could be said that integrity is Christ's Character in tact and unimpeded through The Grace of God Mercifully allowing for our natural tendencies to decrease and Jesus' Supernatural Virtue to increase unto complete fruition and rendering of Glory to God .

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”.

Perhaps God is calling you to sing to the pulse of a different Song . ( See 144,000 in Rev. quote above .)

And if so , it does us well to get used to the idea that we are in a small , yet sacred , minority ; wherein our integrity is not measured or defined by the fallacies , carnality , or shallowness of others , but by the degree of the measure with which we are in harmony with The Revealed Perfect Will of God in Christ Jesus .

Having faced similar disheartening experiences , these are understood to be part of the trial which purifies us from " looking to man " instead of " The Rock from which we are hewn " .

As it was said within the range of hearing - " Instead of looking [ horizontally ] for someone else to be your example , seek to be that example for others [ by seeking vertically ( upward ) for that which is lacking inwardly ] "

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

Clearly , it would not be that much different than when He walked among the professors of Judiasm .

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

Actually , in many applications , calling oneself a Christian is quite unChristlike .

Consider -

If I bear witness of myself, my witness is not true. <-----> John 5:31

Who can be more biased of me - than me ?!

He that speaketh of himself seeketh his own glory: but he that seeketh his glory that sent him, the same is true, and no unrighteousness is in him. <-----> John 7:18

Who can be more selfish over myself - than myself !?

For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord... <---> 2nd Corinthians 4:5

For not he that commendeth himself is approved, but whom the Lord commendeth. <-----> 2nd Corinthians 10:18

Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works. <-----> James 2:18

And in that day seven women shall take hold of one man, saying, We will eat our own bread, and wear our own apparel: only let us be called by thy name, to take away our reproach. <-----> Isaiah 4:1

Hear ye this, O house of Jacob, which are called by the name of Israel, and are come forth out of the waters of Judah, which swear by the name of the LORD, and make mention of the God of Israel, but not in truth, nor in righteousness.
For they call themselves of the holy city, and stay themselves upon the God of Israel; The LORD of hosts is his name. <-----> Isaiah 48:1+2

... And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch. <---> Acts 11:26

[ Note : says " were called " not " called themselves " ]

...thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars. <---> Revelation 2:2

...and I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan. <---> Revelation 2:8

...I have a few things against thee, because thou sufferest that woman Jezebel, which calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols. <-----> Revelation 2:20

Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked . <-----> Revelation 3:17

Let another man praise thee, and not thine own mouth; a stranger, and not thine own lips. <-----> Proverbs 27:2

[ Note : says " a stranger " for a stranger cannot have entered into a conspiracy of flattery ]

Their inward thought is, that their houses shall continue for ever, and their dwelling places to all generations; they call their lands after their own names.
Nevertheless man being in honour abideth not: he is like the beasts that perish.
This their way is their folly: yet their posterity approve their sayings. Selah. <-----> Psalm 49:11-13

( Compare with - )

For their rock is not as our Rock, even our enemies themselves being judges. <-----> Deuteronomy 32:31

Generally speaking , the more desperate we are for a sense of validation the more we rely upon self assertions of value , worth , or importance .

But if , and when , The Lord is He Who does bear witness of us , by His Spirit's Presence Beautifying and Enabling our life , then we are usually busy dismissing allegations that there's something " special " about us , our selves .

And when the people saw what Paul had done, they lifted up their voices, saying in the speech of Lycaonia, The gods are come down to us in the likeness of men.
And they called Barnabas, Jupiter; and Paul, Mercurius, because he was the chief speaker.
Then the priest of Jupiter, which was before their city, brought oxen and garlands unto the gates, and would have done sacrifice with the people.
Which when the apostles, Barnabas and Paul, heard of, they rent their clothes, and ran in among the people, crying out,
And saying, Sirs, why do ye these things? We also are men of like passions with you, and preach unto you that ye should turn from these vanities unto the living God, which made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all things that are therein . <-----> Acts 14:11-15

Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth! <-----> James 3:5

But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world. <-----> Galatians 6:14

May The Lord Be Pleased to Clarify and Confirm The Truth according to God's Word .

With warm regard ,

wm

 

[tessalion]

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.

i agree wholeheartedly. i attend a large secular university and one of the two biggest problems i face is the fact that everyone automatically sees me as a hypocrite because of how apathetic so many christians today are.

to answer your question...intergrity comes from inner strength given to you by God's grace and it allows you to steadfastly hold true to honesty and loyalty. it means so much more to me too but i cant think of any other words at the moment...

 

[pdudgeon]

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.

Amen to that!

if you only look at what God is doing with other people and compare yourself to them whether for good or bad you will be either discouraged or puffed up in vanity.

God made you as a unique individual. In the whole earth there is no one exactly like you, so there is no one that you could fairly compare yourself to. Peter had that problem when he started worrying about what the apostle John would be doing. James and John, sons of Zebedee had that problem when they worried about what their place would be in heaven. And we won't even mention the Pharasees and saducees

The point is, whenever you start looking around at human beings you will find both good and bad examples, and the longer you look, the more failures you will find. if you are in a congregation where the focus of evryone is on his/her brother or sister then that is where your eyes will go. But if the eyes of your congregation are focused on God then they will walk truly.

the integrity that you look for can only be found in the life of a person focused on God. But do not follow them, for then you will be following the image of God. Follow God Himself.

 

[Hisbygrace]

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.

I agree the great threat I see is lukewarmness also....

 

[Joshua Howard]

Integrity is that something in an individual which makes his word true, and his justice undefiled. Integrity treats others as itself would hope to be treated, and seeks to base it's every motive upon a foundation of truth.

Many in our day don't mind bending their word for reason of mere personal gain. In their judgements, they seek benefit at the cost of others. They base their motives on a foundation of selfishness, and then they go forth and try to stand as witnesses to a selfless Christ. The world looks on, and turns it's head in disgust.

So next Haloween when someone tells you they're a Christian, look twice. For by their fruits ye shall know them.