The definition of integrity is:  "what you do when no one else is watching." (unkown)


Webster defines integrity as:  incorruptibiltiy, a state of being complete and undivided


Integrity is a quality that each of us needs to strive for.  A person of integrity can always be counted upon to do what is right regardless of the consequences.  Having an attitude of integrity will serve as a moral compass.  That is why the Scripture says that integrity guides the upright.  There is no question about the direction or course of action a person will take.  Being a person of integrity makes you predictible.  Everyone that deals with you and knows you, will always know where you stand on issues, what you will say, and what you will do.   A great Biblical example of integrity is Daniel.  Daniel, because of his integrity had the favor of God on his life.  Daniel was recognized by King Darius as a man of great character.  Daniel's peers also recognized his strength of character to the point that they knew that they could devise a plan that would entrap Daniel in his own integrity.  These jealous co-workers of Daniel appealed to the King's ego by offering him to sign a law prohibitting the petition or prayer to anyone or any god but the King or be thrown into a den of hungry lions.
Daniel knowing the decree was passed went to his home and prayed with the windows open just as he always did.  Of course, the King even though he was bothered about Daniel's fate was bound by the law he had passed and had Daniel thrown into the Den of Lions.  Of course God protected Daniel because he was innocent (a man of integrity) and no wound was found on Daniel.  While the men who tried to trap Daniel suffered the same punishment as Daniel except they weren't spared! (Daniel 6:1-28)

This story illustrates the powerful truth of Proverbs 11:3.  A person of high moral character is guided by his integrity whereas, the unfaithful are destroyed by their duplicity.  I love that word "duplicity!"  Implies being two-faced and inconsistent.  Remember Webster defined integrity as being "undivided."  A person that has no integrity is divided within his own self.  The Bible tells us in the book of James that a "double-minded man is unstable in all of his ways. "  When we speak of architecture and say that
"building has integrity" what we are saying is that the building is sound and stable.  It can hold up under time, pressure, and storms.  It can be said the same of a person who has integrity.  He can hold up and be counted upon over time,  under pressure, and through the storms of life.  

Integrity will protect you from you your enemies.
Proverbs 13:6 says: "Righteousness guards the man of integrity, but wickedness overthrows the sinner."  (NIV)

Having integrity is not always easy or popular, but integrity brings about the favor of God.  Proverbs 12:2 "A good man obtains favor from the LORD, but the LORD condemns a crafty man." (NIV)

Finally, our personal integrity is pleasing to the Lord.
Proverbs 11:20 says, "The LORD detests men of perverse heart but He delights in those whose ways are blameless." (NIV)

Nobody is perfect, but we need to purpose in our hearts that will not defile ourselves by giving in to the pressures of this world and the temptation that it offers.  This can be done by submitting yourself to God and obeying His Word even when it seems to be contrary to what you may think or what everyone else says.  Of course this is easier said than done, but that is where the power of the Holy Spirit comes into effect.  If we walk in the Spirit we will not fulfill the lusts of the flesh.   God bless you as you seek to be a person of integrity!