As Christians, we need to know the difference between integrity and character. Integrity adheres to a code of conduct; believers live specifically by the principles of God’s Word. By comparison, good character is shown by doing the right thing simply because it is right. Submitting to God’s Spirit of Grace and letting Him teach us assures spiritual growth in both areas.

Integrity defines what is right; character is doing what is right. Our character reflects our integrity; godly integrity causes us to succeed in life. In the Old Testament, David is an example of someone who decided to walk in integrity. When Solomon finished building the temple, God appeared to him and exhorted him to walk as his father David had walked—honorably and in the integrity of his heart.

When Abraham was in the wilderness, King Abimelech took his wife, Sarah, but didn’t touch her because God warned him not to. When the king learned that Abraham had deceived him by saying she was his sister, he was shocked and sent them away. The king’s integrity literally saved his life. Integrity guides honest people, but the unfaithful are destroyed by their duplicity.

Integrity should guide our lives; godly character is the result. God highly values these spiritual principles. Thinking and doing evil never pay off. Whoever walks in integrity will be secure, but the person who takes a crooked path will be discovered; it’s better to be poor and honest than to be rich and dishonest.

We develop our character be controlling our thoughts, practicing Christian virtues, guarding our hearts, and by keeping good company. Paul urged the Philippians to think on whatever things are true, honest, and just; Peter advised the believers to supplement their faith with moral excellence. We must guard our heart because it determines the course of our lives, and always remember that bad company corrupts good character. Doing these things keeps us moving in the right direction.

Prayer:

Lord, we live in a world that values neither integrity nor good character. We stand out as believers by letting the Holy Spirit teach and guide us in both of these qualities. Thank You for maturing us in these areas. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Scriptures:

1 Kings 9:4

Genesis 20:1-14

Proverbs 11:3, NIV

Proverbs 10:9, NIV

Proverbs 28:6, NLT

Philippians 4:8

2 Peter 1:5, NLT

Proverbs 4:23, NLT

1 Corinthians 15:33, NLT