Key Passage: Proverbs 20: 6 -7

Most men will proclaim each his own goodness, but who can find a faithful man? The righteous man walks in his integrity; his children are blessed after him.

It is common to see people justify or speak well of themselves, but it is more difficult to find those who match their words with actions. Our societies are full of impostors, hypocrites and high minded people, who see themselves as saints while their lifestyles reveal otherwise. It is difficult to find people who are true to their promises; people who are honest in their dealings; and people who are sincere in their relationships.

The Psalmist lamented, “Help, LORD, for the godly man ceases! For the faithful disappear from among the sons of men” Ps 12:1. In our time, integrity and faithfulness have become unpopular, as the person who desires to stand true to his words is faced with so many frustrations. He is the odd man out in a society full of corruption, dishonesty and compromise; he is constantly resisted by evil people who see him as a threat to their evil schemes; he is usually taken advantage of by people who treat him as a fool; and he is despised of by people of low virtue.

The restoration of our families, our assemblies and our communities cannot come until integrity is restored. It is only when there is integrity that there could be trust. When there is trust, there will be true love. When there is true love, then, unity will be achieved. And when there is unity, meaningful progress occurs (Gen 11: 6).

Integrity is learned, not inherited. It is cultivated with care, and nurtured in a process of time. It begins with a resolve in the heart, but it is entrenched by practically doing what your heart tells you are right. Your "Yes," must be "Yes," and your "No," must be "No” (Jam 5:12).

The gains of integrity are enormous. It brings recognition and respect both before God and before man (Job 2:3; Jn 1:47). God will never forsake a man of integrity, but will bless him, and bring him and his offspring into great honor (2 Chr 16:9a; Ps 37:37; 112:2-3).

Written by – Evangelist Oguazi Onyemobi