The Rewards of Integrity

Pastor Joel @ Lakewood Church

Integrity is the foundation of a successful life.

A person on Integrity does the right thing when no one is watching.

God is keeping the records even when you think it's not making an impact it is.

A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favour rather than silver and gold.

Proverbs 22:1 KJV

Your reputation is the most valuable thing you have

You put yourself at a disadvantage when you steal, cheat, and take shortcuts.

It's better to be truthful and have less because later on God's favor will take you farther.

God knows your heart.

As they approached, Jesus said, "Now here is a genuine son of Israel—a man of complete integrity."

John 1:47 NLT

You're the same wherever you are when you have Integrity no matter who you're interacting with.

The little things get us tripped up. 

Catch all the foxes, those little foxes, before they ruin the vineyard of love, for the grapevines are blossoming!

Song of Songs 2:15 NLT

People are watching.

Don't do anything you wouldn't want to read about the next day in the newspaper.

It's much better to be open and honest.

Pastor Joel needed a knife and considered stealing one from the restaurant but came to his senses and asked to buy one. The restaurant ended up giving him a set. The restaurant would probably not have even known but God would have know and just by asking he got it for free anyway.

David committed to have integrity at home, where no one could see him. 

I will sing of your love and justice, Lord . I will praise you with songs. I will be careful to live a blameless life— when will you come to help me? I will lead a life of integrity in my own home. I will refuse to look at anything vile and vulgar. I hate all who deal crookedly; I will have nothing to do with them. I will reject perverse ideas and stay away from every evil. I will not tolerate people who slander their neighbors. I will not endure conceit and pride.

Psalms 101:1‭-‬5 NLT

If you have to talk yourself into something then it's probably not a good ides.

When you walk in Integrity you gain an advantage with God.

Even if you haven't been this was,  today is a good day to start.

 

Abraham introduced his wife, Sarah, by saying, "She is my sister." So King Abimelech of Gerar sent for Sarah and had her brought to him at his palace. But that night God came to Abimelech in a dream and told him, "You are a dead man, for that woman you have taken is already married!" But Abimelech had not slept with her yet, so he said, "Lord, will you destroy an innocent nation? Didn't Abraham tell me, 'She is my sister'? And she herself said, 'Yes, he is my brother.' I acted in complete innocence! My hands are clean." In the dream God responded, "Yes, I know you are innocent. That's why I kept you from sinning against me, and why I did not let you touch her.

Genesis 20:2‭-‬6 NLT

Because of his integrity, God spared Abimelech from making a mistake.

He grants a treasure of common sense to the honest. He is a shield to those who walk with integrity. He guards the paths of the just and protects those who are faithful to him.

Proverbs 2:7‭-‬8 NLT

Builder cut corners and kept the profit. He watered down the cement for the foundation, used bad lumber, got the cheapest service providers. The house looked great on the outside. The purchaser ended up giving him the house and he thought if he'd known he was building his own house then he would have built it with more Integrity. We're building our own house. What kind of materials are are we putting into it.