Lord, who may dwell in your sacred tent? Who may live on your holy mountain? The one whose walk is blameless, who does what is righteous, who speaks the truth from their heart; whose tongue utters no slander, who does no wrong to a neighbor, and casts no slur on others; who despises a vile person but honors those who fear the Lord; who keeps an oath even when it hurts, and does not change their mind;
— Psalm 15:1-4

Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but whoever takes crooked paths will be found out.
— Proverbs 10:9

He holds success in store for the upright, he is a shield to those whose walk is blameless, for he guards the course of the just and protects the way of his faithful ones.
— Proverbs 2:7-10

Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. “Do not fear their threats; do not be frightened.” But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.
— 1 Peter 3:13-16

~~~~~

The Unshaken Ground
By Jennifer Kane

Not the man who scales the sacred height 
On shifting sand, by borrowed light, 
Nor one whose polished words take flight 
From hollow core, a practiced sleight. 

But who may stand where holiness dwells? 
Whose shadow falls where virtue swells? 
The one whose walk the story tells: 
No fractured step, no hidden wells. 

He speaks the truth his heart has known – 
Not stones of slander, slyly thrown, 
Nor neighbor’s name to dust brought low, 
But words like seeds, straight-sown, that grow. 

He weighs the vile with steady gaze, 
Yet honors those who tread God’s ways. 
His oath? A mountain, fixed and deep, 
Though keeping it makes angels weep. 
He will not bend, he will not break, 
Though promise burns, for honor’s sake.  

This is the ground where safety lies: 
Beneath clear, open, sunlit skies. 
No crooked path, no snare concealed, 
Just honest earth, steadfast and healed. 
For God Himself becomes the shield, 
The fortress where the just are sealed. 

Let slanderers gnash, let shadows creep – 
His quiet step will never sleep 
On shifting sand where secrets keep. 
He walks the high road, wide and steep, 
Where integrity, both strong and deep, 
Is harvest sown, and truth to reap.              

~~~~~

Scripture: Psalm 15:1-4, Proverbs 10:9, Proverbs 2:7-10, 1 Peter 3:13-16

Integrity is more than just honesty; it is the integration of our beliefs with our actions. It is the character quality of someone whose inner moral compass—guided by the Holy Spirit—aligns perfectly with their outward behavior, regardless of the cost or circumstance. It is the mark of a mature faith, proving that our walk with Jesus is changing us from the inside out.

The world offers many paths: the easy way, the profitable way, the popular way. But the believer is called to a different standard—the way of integrity. This is not a path of perfection, but of consistency. It’s a life where our words, actions, and private decisions are built on the foundation of God’s truth.

Integrity is the very passport into deep communion with God. It’s about
Speaking truth from a sincere heart.
Rejecting gossip and words that harm.
Keeping promises, especially when it’s difficult.

True integrity is proven not when things are easy, but when they are hard. It’s making the right decision because it is right, not because it is easy. When our hearts are clear before God, we can live in freedom, without the fear of being “exposed” (Proverbs 10:9).

The Bible doesn’t just command integrity; it promises incredible blessings for those who pursue it. God Himself becomes a shield for those who walk with integrity. He grants a treasure of common sense to the honest, guiding their paths and filling them with joy. While God detests lying, He delights in those who tell the truth.

The call to integrity is a call to courage. It is “better to be poor and honest than to be dishonest and rich”  Integrity often means choosing the right thing over the profitable thing. We are called to do good and not fear the threats or misunderstandings of others. Our security is found in God’s reward, not human approval. Our integrity is a powerful witness. It silences critics and allows us to lead and teach others effectively, making our message credible. When we live with integrity, we are always ready to explain the hope that fuels our choices.

~~~~~

Heavenly Father, thank you for calling me to a life of integrity. Forgive me for the times I have compromised truth for convenience or fear. Holy Spirit, guide my heart and my decisions today. Give me the courage to make the right choice, even when it costs me. Let my words be true, my promises be kept, and my life be a shield of protection and a testimony of Your grace. My hope is in You; may my integrity reflect that hope to a watching world. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

September 15 2025