The integrity problem

The executive who runs a company fills his pockets at the expense of his shareholders. The politician makes promises that he has no intention of keeping. The student “borrows” answers from his classmates to pass a test. The minister falls into adultery under the pretext of filling an “unsatisfied need.” The driver exceeds the speed limit thinking that he will not be penalized. The lawyer gives a much larger account to his client to increase his profit. And the list goes on.

If he asks someone, “Do you consider yourself a person of integrity?” he almost always answers yes, even the people we just mentioned. However, people who have real integrity behave honestly when they are alone and when they are in public. The Lord honors those whose hearts are after his…those who are upright in his sight. He says:

“He who is faithful in very little, he also is faithful in much; and he who is unjust in very little, is also unjust in much.” (Luke 16:10)

Is the great diversity of opinion as to what is right or wrong proof that there are no moral absolutes?

No, just because an exam format is multiple choice does not mean that all answers are correct. Usually only one is correct. In the same way, the fact that an immoral practice is accepted in a culture does not make it correct.

“You are righteous, O Lord, and your judgments are upright. Your testimonials, which you have recommended, are upright and very faithful.” (Psalms 119:137,138)

“Shouldn’t a democratic culture that protects freedom of speech and religion accept the freedom to follow one’s own morality and the rejection of moral absolutes?”

No, in a free society you can have moral absolutes. Freedom of expression simply guarantees the right to speak—it does not guarantee that what is said is correct. Usually through open dialogue people can see the fallacy of that reasoning. Democracy only guarantees the right to be right or wrong.

“The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul; Jehovah’s testimony is faithful, which makes the simple wise. The commandments of Jehovah are right, rejoicing the heart; The commandment of Jehovah is pure, enlightening the eyes. The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever; Jehovah’s judgments are true, all righteous.” (Psalms 19:7,9)

Ethics

Cultural ethics decisions are made based on popular opinion

  • Have your values ​​been affected by believing that “everyone does it”?
  • Have you spent too much money or time trying to gain recognition and acceptance?

Situational Ethics—Decisions are made based on what appears to be good at the time

  • Have you lied to protect someone else’s feelings or wishes?
  • Have you supported someone to do something that violates God’s word because it seemed right at the time?

Emotional ethics—Decisions are based on feelings

  • Have you ever thought, “This can’t be so bad if it feels so good?”
  • Have you felt the need to express all your feelings?

Behavioral ethics—Decisions are made based on natural inclination

  • Have you justified your negative behavior by saying “I can’t help it”?
  • Have you blamed your upbringing and family background for having negative attitudes?

“From your commandments I have gained understanding; therefore I have hated every false way.” (Psalms 119:104)

Arguments and responses on ethics

  • Argument: “People have integrity if they stay true to their ethical system”.
  • From the human point of view, the person is considered complete if he is perfectly faithful to his system of ethics. However, God created the universe and established the laws of it for all people to obey. If his personal ethical system violates God’s system of right and wrong, from God’s point of view, his system is wrong…and he cannot be a person of true integrity. (Psalms 24:1,4)
  • Argument: “There are no moral absolutes. The theme of good and bad varies from person to person and from culture to culture.
  • Moral absolutes transcend culture and time. In one country it is acceptable to drive on the right side of the road, but it is wrong in another. However, in all countries it is always forbidden to intentionally run over a group of children and kill innocent lives. Certainly many laws are based on the preference of citizens, but God’s moral law is based on his immutable word. (Psalms 119:89)

“You are righteous, O Lord, and your judgments are upright. Your testimonials, which you have recommended, are upright and very faithful.” (Psalms 119:137,138)

How to check the truth

Examine your ethics

Questions about integrity

  • Do I decide to do this because I want others to think well of me? (Galatians 1:10)
  • Am I doing it because I want to receive financial gain? (Proverbs 15:16)
  • Am I willing to do this even if I don’t get praise for it? (Luke 14:11)
  • Am I doing something wrong because I think no one will find out? (Hebrews 4:13)

“Forever, O Lord, your word remains in heaven.” (Psalms 119:89)

key verse to memorize

“I have kept your sayings in my heart, so that I do not sin against you.” (Psalms 119:11)

Key passage to read and meditate

psalms 101

Virtue

Value the importance of moral purity. (1 Thessalonians 4:7)

Implant the word of God in your heart. (Romans 12:2)

Recognize your dependence on God’s grace. (Psalms 26:2,3)

Trust in Christ for your own identity. (2 Corinthians 5:17)

You must understand that your strength is in Christ. (Proverbs 3:26)

You must expect trial and temptation to come (John 15:18,19)

“My brethren, count it all joy when you find yourselves in various trials.” (James 1:2)