Integrity: soundness of moral principle; the character of uncorrupted virtue, esp. in relation to truth and fair dealing.
Honesty: the quality or condition of having or displaying strong moral principles, esp. regarding lying, cheating, or stealing.¹
I am passionate about truth-telling, integrity, and honesty in everything. One of my concerns around election time is the distortion and absence of truth. It appears many politicians, political parties, and media outlets give a version of the truth that fits their agenda or makes their point. The problem is there is little genuine truth in any version we see or hear regarding their points of view. Many issues reported are completely absent of any truth.
As Christians, we believe (or should believe) in absolute truth. We affirm, based on the Bible, certain statements and beliefs are true for all people at all times. #TRUTH
However, our society does not adhere to that affirmation. The mindset of our day is there can be different truths. The mainstream view is everyone has, or can have, “their own truth.” Instead of individuals being right or wrong in opposing points of view, society states each person is relating his or her “own truth.” And a person’s “truth” may even evolve over time.
Truth is not based on individual or group perspectives. Different scenarios or statements are either true or false. Either an event happened, or it did not. Something was said, or it was not. A person was in a certain place, or he was not. One person had a certain experience, or she did not. One sibling says he hit me; the other says he did not. All scenarios or statements cannot be true.
In John 14:6, Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” If we as Christians affirm that statement is true, any other statement or “truth” contradicting that statement is false. John 14:6 cannot be “my truth” or “their truth.” The truth is there is only one way to God, and that way is through Jesus Christ. Period. #TRUTH
Other absolute truths in Scripture stand contrary to what the majority in our culture declares as their version of truth.
God created the heavens and the earth. (Genesis 1:1)
Marriage is for a man and a woman. (Genesis 2:24)
Men and women are distinctly created by God in His image as males and females. (Genesis 1:26-27)
Jesus was born of a virgin, lived a sinless life, died a substitutionary death, and rose from the grave (Luke 1:26; 2 Corinthians 5:21; 1 Peter 3:18; Luke 24:5-6).
Beyond these absolute truths in Scripture, other statements are also true and false. However, today’s society has “muddied the waters,” and we are never sure if someone is telling us the truth or not. Integrity, or being able to take someone at his or her word, seems to be a thing of the past.
People are guilty of distorting the truth, or using partial truths to serve their own purposes, or telling outright lies and calling it the truth. Proverbs teaches us God expects truthfulness. As a matter of fact, He can’t stand dishonesty and considers it an abomination!
Consider these verses from Proverbs 12:17, 19, 20: "He that speaketh truth sheweth forth righteousness: but a false witness deceit. The lip of truth shall be established for ever: but a lying tongue is but for a moment. Deceit is in the heart of them that imagine evil: but to the counsellors of peace is joy. Lying lips are abomination to the LORD: but they that deal truly are his delight."
Dishonesty is an abomination to God; He is disgusted by it. He delights and takes pleasure in honesty.
It is also noteworthy we find lying/deceit in the list of things God hates from Proverbs 6:16-19:
"These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: a proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, an heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, a false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren."
It is clear from these passages, God’s expectation is for His people to be people of integrity who tell the truth and do not practice deceit.
What is disappointing regarding integrity is we have fooled ourselves into believing our own lies. We excuse dishonesty by stating it is best for the situation, or we don’t want to hurt people’s feelings, or we just want to get along. So, we do not tell the whole truth. In addition to outright dishonesty, we distort the truth, using deceit to further our agenda and to get our own way. (I realize some truths ought not be shared; just because something is true does not mean it needs to be said aloud. That is a conversation for another day.)
To be people in whom God delights, let’s focus on the following: #TRUTH
1. Absolute truth should influence our conduct in the home, workplace, school, marketplace, and even the voting booth. Look for honesty and celebrate it. Be trustworthy in the workplace and when conducting business. Be reminded by the book of Proverbs, “Divers weights are an abomination unto the LORD; and a false balance is not good” (Proverbs 20:23). Once again, God uses the word abomination.
2. As parents, we need to demonstrate honesty as an example for our children and expect it in return. We should have conversations about absolute truth and how to know what is true. Truth is not relative, nor is it based on feelings or perspective. Someone can sound convincing or feel strongly about something without it being true. There is no such thing as “his truth” or “her truth.”
If there were “his truths,” “her truths,” “my truths,” or “your truths,” there are no truths. We all need to be sure our children understand and embrace the idea of truth. As parents, have as your goal to raise children of integrity. Model it and expect it.
3. As Christians, we should be truth tellers. We should never be guilty of using deception, deceit, or half-truths to get our way, further our agenda, or make ourselves look better. How sad is it that one Christian cannot be confident another Christian is being completely honest? Brothers and sisters, this ought not be!
I want to be a person with sound moral principles, with character of uncorrupted virtue — integrity (maybe this article was just for me). I want people to know I will always be honest and speak truth. Let us all strive to bring delight to our God by being people of honesty! #TRUTH
About the Writer: Jeff Caudill serves as the executive pastor at Cofer’s Chapel in Nashville, Tennessee, (coferschapel.org) and as marketing operations manager at Welch College. Learn more: welch.edu.
