Wednesday Night, March 10, 2004  

 

 

 

Why is integrity such a scarce commodity in our society? Why is it so difficult to stand up for what we believe? And to put what we believe into practice?  

Two of the obstacles to becoming persons of integrity are: (1) We want to be liked; and (2) We do not enjoy conflict. Why do these become some major hurdles to overcome?  

 

 

 

Much of the problem Jesus had with the Pharisees was not over the interpretation of God’s law, but over their concern for appearing to be far more righteous than they actually were. What are some ways in which your actions could be paralleled to them?  

 

Can you fake character and real integrity?  

Read and discuss Luke 16:10. In what areas of your life are the principles outlined in this verse especially meaningful? Would you agree that the real acid test of integrity is how we handle the small details in our lives (i.e., honesty, trustworthiness, dependability, etc.)?  

What are some strategies we can implement to not compartmentalize our lives?  

Read and discuss Psalm 33:13-15 and I Corinthians 4:5. Does integrity have more to do with what happens in private than what happens in public? Am I a person of INTEGRITY only when others see my actions? How can you better tend to the private affairs of your life?  

Is it true that INTEGRITY is tied to God, not goals? Why do we do the things we do?  

 

How was Joseph able to escape from Potiphar’s wife sexual pursuit of him (see Gen. 39:5-10)?   

 

 

 

So, the question of the hour is - how can we become men and women of integrity? 

Perhaps the chief reason integrity is in such short supply is because it is so difficult to live honestly. Integrity involves more than just having the right set of values; it includes having the strength of will to live with those values. Would you agree that most often our struggle is doing what we know we should do? It’s not so much a question of knowledge; it’s a question of courage and determination to do the right thing!   

 

 

 

In your quest to live a life of integrity, what are some of the sins you need to discard to be able to live a life that is true?    

What will you do this week in your relationship with God to make it one of integrity?