The godly walk with integrity; blessed are their children who follow them. Proverbs 20:7
One of the things that I want to be known for is as a person of integrity. A person who walks with integrity stands secure. They aren't looking over their shoulder, wondering if today is the day they will be found out, because their life is consistent in beliefs, values, and behaviors. When we live this way, people take notice. It makes us shine like stars in the universe because many people that you interact with are like chameleons. They can change their nature and color depending upon their environment. When they hang around Christians, they talk about how blessed they are, but when they are at the gym, they have a foul mouth and gawk over scantily-dressed people.
The people who notice a lack of integrity most is our own children. They might see mom and dad fight all the way to church, yelling and screaming at one another. But when they get out of the car, they will smile, wave, and be completely different people. They might see their father as a person who has time for work or clients when they call, but no time to be drawn into their silliness or childlike wonder. They get an up-close and personal look at our own inconsistencies when it comes to integrity.
At the same time, when they see that their parents are not all ways perfect, but remain committed to each other and still honor their commitment, it speaks volumes. When they see their parents living out their faith both inside and outside of the home, they will be marked for the rest of their lives. This example of integrity is one that they will want to emulate in their own lives.
Next to Jesus, Solomon was the smartest man to walk the face of the earth, and he knew this truth well. He explained that the godly walk with integrity. The natural outcome of a person who is whole or integrated is passing along a blessing to their own children and the people who followed their example. The word "blessed" could also be translated as "happy" here in Proverbs.
When we live lives that are filled with conviction and establish non-negotiables, we are filled with integrity. We also set an example for our children to look up to. How can you pursue a life of integrity today?
What are some non-negotiable things that you have in your life right now? Is there any area of your life that you would say regardless of the consequences, I will not compromise? Take some time to work through those questions and journal in the notes section.
As for you, Titus, promote the kind of living that reflects wholesome teaching. Teach the older men to exercise self-control, to be worthy of respect, and to live wisely. They must have sound faith and be filled with love and patience.
Similarly, teach the older women to live in a way that honors God. They must not slander others or be heavy drinkers. Instead, they should teach others what is good. These older women must train the younger women to love their husbands and their children, to live wisely and be pure, to work in their homes, to do good, and to be submissive to their husbands. Then they will not bring shame on the word of God.
In the same way, encourage the young men to live wisely. And you yourself must be an example to them by doing good works of every kind. Let everything you do reflect the integrity and seriousness of your teaching. Teach the truth so that your teaching can’t be criticized. Then those who oppose us will be ashamed and have nothing bad to say about us.
Slaves must always obey their masters and do their best to please them. They must not talk back or steal, but must show themselves to be entirely trustworthy and good. Then they will make the teaching about God our Savior attractive in every way.
For the grace of God has been revealed, bringing salvation to all people. And we are instructed to turn from godless living and sinful pleasures. We should live in this evil world with wisdom, righteousness, and devotion to God, while we look forward with hope to that wonderful day when the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, will be revealed. He gave his life to free us from every kind of sin, to cleanse us, and to make us his very own people, totally committed to doing good deeds.
You must teach these things and encourage the believers to do them. You have the authority to correct them when necessary, so don’t let anyone disregard what you say.
