Integrity vs. Duplicity

In a world where it appears integrity is constantly compromised, we have to ask the question, "Does integrity really matter?". How many Christians fall into the trap of duplicity? If we claim to know Christ, accept Him as our Savior and go through the motions of being a Christian, what should our lifestyle look like? It is interesting that there is a large percentage of people who say they are a Christian yet their lifestyle does not reflect Christianity. Perhaps we need to define a Christian. A Cristian is a person who adheres to Christianity - a monotheistic religion based on the life and teachings of Jesus of Nazareth. It goes further to say that central to the Christian faith is the gospel. This is the teaching that humans have hope for salvation through the message and work of Jesus, His atoning death on the cross and His resurrection. So what this says is that Christians adhere to a life based on the teachings of Jesus. "We base our lives on what Jesus says!" How do we do that? Well, first you have to know what Jesus says about life. The Bible is where we find the teachings of Christ. If we don't read God's word and make it our handbook for life, duplicity steps in. Duplicity means contradictory doubleness of thought, speech or action. So if we say we are a Christian, but live a different lifestyle we are dancing with duplicity.

What does God say about integrity? Proverbs 28:18 "Whoever walks in integrity will be delivered, but he who is crooked in his ways will suddenly fall." Proverbs 2:6-8 "For the LORD gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding; he stores up sound wisdom for the upright; he is a shield to those who walk in integrity, guarding the paths of justice and watching over the way of his saints." Proverbs 10:9 "Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but he who makes his ways crooked will be found out." Proverbs 11:3 "The integrity of the upright guides them, but the crookedness of the treacherous destroys them." Integrity matters to God! These are only a few of the verses found that speak of it. If we chose integrity, we will be delivered. We will have wisdom, have a shield, our paths will be guarded and the Lord will watch over us. If we don't chose integrity, we walk in insecurity and ALL our crooked ways will be found out. Integrity will guide us but duplicity destroys. The scriptures are very clear about exemplifying integrity in our lives.

There are many reasons why people compromise in their choices. Some reason that no one will know if they do something against what God wants. However, just as the above scriptures have said and other scriptures also support this truth - your sins will be found out. Numbers 32:23 "But if you fail to do this, you will be sinning against the Lord; and you may be sure that your sin will find you out." You can't hide your choices to not honor God's word. God knows everything we do and has perfect knowledge of us - all our thoughts and actions are open before him. Another reason for a Christian to live a lifestyle that doesn't reflect that of Christ, is because of ignorance. You have to read and study God's word to know Christ. In the book of Proverbs, it says we should seek Christ as though searching for a wonderful treasure. Proverbs 2:1-5 "My son, if you accept my words and store up my commands within you, turning your ear to wisdom and applying your heart to understanding— indeed, if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding, and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God." Lastly another reason why some will continue in a life of duplicity as opposed to choosing integrity, is because they want the ways of this world. They have fallen into the trap of thinking things in this life will bring them happiness. I beg to differ with this mentality. When we look at people who have gained many of the things this this world can offer, we see misery, divorce, drugs, and suicide. I'm referencing people who are successful, have lots of money and fame. The desire for these things in order to gain happiness is a lie from Satan. We see the proof of this everyday in the news. However, the desire to know the Lord will bring life. God loves us so much He sent His son to die on the cross. He wants us to chose integrity and the wonderful life He intended for us. John 3:16 "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." John 3:36 "Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him." Romans 6:23 "For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord."