Definitions of Integrity: 1. Steadfast adherence to a strict moral or ethical code. 2. The state of being unimpaired; soundness. 3. The quality or condition of being whole or undivided; completeness.
Bible integrity is the lifestyle of being obedient to God’s Word, willingly, joyfully and with no regard to the circumstances or consequences.
Integrity is an interesting concept. However, in the life of a Christian, it should not be a concept, but a way of life. Integrity does not cheat. Integrity does not steal. Integrity is fair in business dealings. Integrity is fair and just with one’s spouse and children. Integrity does not lie. Integrity is not hypocritical.
A few years ago my sister purchased a very nice long winter coat. I’m sure that there were coats that were more expensive; however, this one was very nice and cost several hundred dollars. The first time she wore this coat was to church. It was also the last time she wore this coat because someone in the church stole it. It was not a mink stole, but it was a “stolen mink.”
Another friend of mine, a well-known international minister, was on a trip to Japan with his new $600 camera. He was riding on a crowded subway that circled Tokyo every hour. As he was leaving the subway, he was pushed out with the crowd and his $600 camera was left on the seat as the doors closed.
For one hour he waited as the subway circled Tokyo making multiple stops. To his amazement when the subway returned to his location one hour later and the doors opened, his $600 camera was sitting on the seat.
The point of these two stories is this: Why would a coat be stolen in a church and a camera be safe in a “heathen nation?” It’s a sad epithet on the church when the world seems to have more integrity than Christians.
It’s time for the body of Christ to rise up and walk in the character and integrity that God wants us to walk in. If we will be led by His Spirit instead of the flesh and be obedient to God’s Word, then the world will see His integrity in us and we will not have to work at being witnesses but we will be a witness. Preaching revival is good, but true revival will take place when Christians operate in God’s character and integrity.
“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matt. 5:16).
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Dr. Larry Ollison is founder and Senior Pastor of Walk on the Water Faith Church and founder of Larry Ollison Ministries. With over forty years in the ministry, he is a very popular speaker nationally and internationally and ministers the Word of Faith through radio, television, Internet, and daily e-mail devotionals. As the author of twelve books (including The Power of Grace, The Practical Handbook for Christian Living, Breaking the Cycle of Offense, Life is in the Blood, and recently released The Paradise of God), he is in frequent demand for radio/TV interviews, book signings, and magazine publications.
Dr. Ollison was raised a Southern Baptist. While majoring in theology at Southwest Baptist University, he received the baptism of the Holy Spirit. For many years he traveled extensively speaking at Full Gospel Business Men's meetings and conventions. He later earned an M.A. in Theology and a Ph.D. and Th.D. from Life Christian University.
Currently President of International Convention of Faith Ministries (ICFM), Dr. Ollison is also Vice-President of Spirit FM Christian Radio Network, Missouri State Director of Christians United for Israel (CUFI), and a Trustee on the boards of several international ministries. He is also the host of The Cutting Edge Radio Broadcast and authors The Cutting Edge Daily Devotional.
As the owner of a marine dealership, his extensive business background brings a unique flavor to his teaching. He founded and served as chairman of the Missouri State Marine Board, President of the Marine Dealers’ Association, Vice-President of a bank holding company, along with holding several directorships in various corporations.
Dr. Ollison's strongest areas of teaching are the blood of Jesus, faith, relationships, the Hebrew language, the Holy Spirit, the end times, and heaven. During ministry, he operates freely in the gifts of the Holy Spirit. His use of humor and his ability to make a theological concept simple makes it enjoyable and easy for everyone to understand. Countless testimonies have been received from people who say their lives have been changed after experiencing Dr. Ollison's unique ministry.
Dr. Ollison is a pastor, pilot, teacher, and author. His number one goal is to meet the needs of the people through the teaching of faith in God's Word. He and his wife, Loretta, have two children and six grandchildren.