The root word integ means “whole, intact.” From it, we get the words integer (whole number), integrate (combine to become whole) and integrity (wholeness of character). A related word is sincerity or sincere, which comes from the Latin phrase sine cera, or “without wax.” Sculptors working with stone or marble had a hard task of chipping away just the right amount. If they made a mistake and took too much off, they had two choices: start all over or cover it up. If they chose the latter, they would use wax to fill in the gap. However, under the hot sun, the wax would melt away, revealing the imperfection. Sincere character, or integrity, does not mean we are perfect; it means we do not cover anything up. We are who we are in both private and public settings. If we make a mistake, we own up to it. Integrity is living a life of wholeness, which is what God calls us to when He says, “Be holy.” Holiness and integrity go hand in hand.

“The world is watching how we walk and how we talk. We must have the highest standards of morality, ethics and integrity if we are to continue to have influence.”

Billy Graham

A Prayer for Integrity

Lord, it is not always easy for me to walk in integrity. But I know it is possible with the help of Your Spirit at work within me. Help my words and actions to match; and help both to match my heart. I seek to have Your character in my life, lived out for Your glory. Thank You for making it possible through grace. Amen.

10 Scriptures on Integrity

• Genesis 39:6-23a
• Psalm 15:1-5
• Psalm 25:21
• Proverbs 10:9
• Proverbs 11:3
• Matthew 5:33-37
• 1 Corinthians 10:31-33
• Colossians 3:23-24
• Titus 2:6-8
• 1 Peter 2:12

Steps to Salvation

The Bible states that God loves you and cares for you as a person (John 3:16). Humankind has been separated from God by sin (Romans 3:23). God sent His Son as a provision for our salvation through the death of Jesus Christ on the cross and His resurrection from the dead (Romans 5:8). Doing good deeds is not enough (Ephesians 2:8-9), but receiving the free gift of salvation is (John 1:12).

You can invite Jesus Christ into your life right now by praying something like the following:

Dear God, I know I am a sinner. I need your forgiveness and grace. I believe that Christ paid the penalty for my sin, and He died in my place, and He rose from the dead. I invite Jesus Christ to come into my life as Savior. Thank You for saving me from my sin and making me Your child. Help me to grow and learn how to serve You. Amen.