Christian Integrity: How to Stay Faithful to God at Work and in Life
Devotional week 10
“The Lord detests lying lips, but he delights in people who are trustworthy." — Proverbs 12:22 (NIV)
Integrity is precious, but it is not always easy. In a world where people bend the truth to get ahead—where businesses make false promises, leaders twist facts, and even social media encourages us to show only the best parts of our lives—choosing honesty can feel tough. But integrity is not about being perfect; it is about being real, standing for what is right, even when no one is watching.
But let’s be honest: maintaining integrity is not easy. The workplace, business challenges, academic pressures, and even church leadership can present moments where being honest, just, and faithful to God feels like an uphill battle. Even Jesus faced this challenge. In the wilderness, Satan tempted Him with power and comfort if He would just compromise (Matthew 4:1-11). But Jesus stood firm, reminding us that real strength comes from staying true to God.
Looking at history, one of the greatest examples of integrity was William Wilberforce, an 18th-century British MP who dedicated his life to the abolition of slavery in the UK. But his journey was far from easy.
Wilberforce was a promising young politician with every opportunity to rise in his career and enjoy a comfortable life. However, after his conversion to Christ, he realised he could not turn a blind eye to the injustice of slavery.
Influenced by John Newton—a former slave trader who became a pastor and wrote the hymn Amazing Grace—Wilberforce took on the mission of fighting against a deeply corrupt and inhumane system. He faced opposition, threats, and years of defeat before finally seeing slavery abolished in 1833.
But Wilberforce also recognised his own flaws. He knew his human nature was imperfect and often felt inadequate for the mission God had given him. Amid political pressures and internal struggles, he continually turned to prayer, seeking God's strength to remain faithful. His story reminds us that integrity does not mean being flawless—it means being willing to acknowledge our weaknesses and seek renewal in Christ.
The great lesson from Wilberforce is that integrity requires perseverance. He could have given up, but he knew his mission was greater than his personal comfort or ambitions.
But what does this mean for Christian professionals, entrepreneurs, students, and leaders facing daily challenges?
For a software engineer, integrity might mean making ethical decisions at work, refusing to engage in dishonest practices even if they are common in the industry. It means being an example of honesty in the workplace, demonstrating that faith is not separate from professional life.
For a business owner, integrity might mean paying fair wages, avoiding corrupt schemes, and running the company with biblical principles—even when competitors take unethical shortcuts to grow faster.
For a university student, integrity might mean resisting the pressure to cheat on exams, being transparent in research, and standing firm in faith even when challenged by sceptical professors or classmates.
For a ministry leader, integrity might mean leading with humility, avoiding self-promotion, and resisting the temptation to manipulate people for influence.
In all these situations, integrity is not just an inspiring concept—it is a daily challenge that requires courage and faith.
Challenge
Sometimes it feels like dishonest people succeed faster, but Proverbs 10:9 reminds us, “Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but whoever takes crooked paths will be found out.” In the end, integrity isn’t just about how others see us—it’s about who we really are before God.
So today, ask yourself: Where is my integrity being tested? Will I choose what’s right, even when it’s hard?
Prayer
"Lord, help me be honest and trustworthy in everything I do. Give me the courage to choose truth over convenience and to live in a way that pleases You. In Jesus’ name, Amen."