Integrity Keepers

Growing to maturity also involves putting forth effort to keep your integrity. As recorded at Psalm 26:1, David declared: "Judge me, O Jehovah,  for I myself have walked in my own integrity."  Integrity is moral soundness, completeness.  However, it does not mean perfection. David himself committed several serious sins. But because he accepted reproof and corrected his way, he demonstrated that his heart still retained genuine love for Jehovah God. (Psalm 26:2, 3, 6, 8, 11) Integrity involves wholeness, or completeness, of heart devotion. David told his son Solomon:  "Know the God of your father and serve him with a complete heart." -1 Chronicles 28:9. 

Keeping integrity involves being "no part of the world," staying out of the politics of the nations and their wars.  (John 17:16)  You must also refrain from corrupt practices, such as fornication, adultery, and drug abuse.  (Galatians  5:19-21)  Keeping integrity means more, though, than avoiding those things. Solomon warned:  "Dead flies are what cause the oil of the ointment maker to stink, to bubble forth. So a little foolishness does to one who  is precious for wisdom and glory." (Ecclesiastes  10:1) Yes, even "a little foolishness such as inappropriate jesting or flirtatious behavior with the opposite sex, could ruin the reputation of one "precious for wisdom." ( Job 31:1)  Therefore demonstrate your maturity by seeking to be exemplary in all your conduct, avoiding even the appearance of evil." - Thessalonians 5:22, King James Version.

Next time: Loyal Ones

From the Watchtower magazine, 2000