Have you ever told a lie, or exaggerated the truth? Or, do you engage in situational ethics in order to get ahead in life? Lying, exaggerating the truth and being less than forthright in your dealings with other people all have one thing in common: a lack of integrity.

When you make a habit of not walking uprightly before the Lord, it will become a habit that will propel your life in the wrong direction.

For this reason, it is critical that you develop a life of integrity so that you can reap all the benefits God has promised you in His Word. From telling the truth to being honest at work, integrity is a critical part of your walk with God.

What does it mean to be a person of integrity? In simple terms, being a person of integrity means that you do what is right because it is right. It is demonstrating character. Living a life of integrity means being honest, trustworthy and reliable.

It is who you are when no one is looking. A person of integrity represents the Kingdom of God in ways that demonstrate to the world the character, power and love of God.

Your words determine whether you display the character of integrity. Words have power and what you say can impact others in a profound way. For example, when you tell a lie, you not only have the potential to deceive yourself, but you destroy trust and respect where other people are concerned.

Being dishonest can cause a domino effect that can hurt you and damage your relationships with friends, family and coworkers.

On the other hand, when you speak the truth in love and make sure that your words line up with the Word of God, you can create a positive outcome in life and fortify the character of integrity you are seeking to develop.

Be mindful that you don't allow deception to creep into your life unawares. The enemy will try everything he can to separate you from God. He does this by creating situations that challenge your faith and belief in God’s Word. He wants you to make decisions that go against what God has said and then convince you that sin isn’t so bad.

However, Psalm 25:21 says, "Let integrity and uprightness preserve me; for I wait on thee." I encourage you to stand on the Word when the temptation to sin comes. Doing so demonstrates integrity.

Lying is not the only way that you deceive others and yourself. You can live a life of deception as well. Any time you do not purpose to live as God intended or according to His plan for your life, you demonstrate your lack of trust in Him and His Word.

One responsibility that Christians have is to uphold God's Word through their lifestyle. Don't allow the world’s standards to govern your life. Don't pretend to be something you're not, but instead seek God's purpose for your life and make His Word your final authority.

Being truthful is a choice. Like any attribute of a Believer’s life, integrity can release blessings if you choose to live a life based on truth. When you indulge in dishonesty, there is a consequence. The Bible says, "The man of integrity walks securely, but he who takes crooked paths will be found out." (Proverbs 10:9, NIV)

Decide today that you will avoid the crooked paths and live in the freedom that our Father promised.

Overcoming the spirit of deception and deciding to be a person of integrity is one of many tests that you will face. I encourage you to seek God’s wisdom and meditate on His Word in an effort to grow and mature in your walk with Him. By applying the Word of God to your life, you can be a person of truth and integrity.

First published in the December 2006 issue of Changing Your World Magazine
Copyright © 2006 Creflo Dollar Ministries All rights reserved.