To Thine Own Self Be True    

The word integrity means uprightness of character, probity, honesty; the condition of being sound and whole; the state of being complete and undivided. In mathematics, an integer is a whole number not a part of a number. We live one life, not a double life. Shakespeare said, "To thine own self be true."   

The Pharisees told Jesus, "We know that you are a man of integrity" (Matthew 22:16). The Greek word translated integrity is alethia, meaning truth. The Kings James Version of the verse says, "We know thou art true." Character is what you knew you would do if you knew you would never get caught. So being a person of integrity means to be honest, genuine and truthful.

We often care too much about the opinions and judgments of others. We get into trouble trying to please others. Jesus was not swayed by the pressure to conform or by persecution. Integrity means to be true to your faith and values in the face of temptation to compromise. "No compromise," is the theme of a person of integrity.

The Pharisees also said to Jesus, "you aren't swayed by men, because you pay no attention to who they are"(Matthew 22:16-17). Peter said in Acts, "I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism but accepts men from every nation who fear him and do what is right" (Acts 10: 34-35). We discriminate on the basis of who people are and whether they are like us or different from us or what they can do for us. God is without favoritism, and we are to follow His example. That's integrity.

P.S. This Sunday I am continuing the series entitled: Unless.. Meeting God's Conditions with "Unless Your Righteousness Surpasses the Teachers of the Law" (Matt 5:20). See you on Sunday!