A Person of Integrity

 

Now when the wall had been built and I had set up the doors, and the gatekeepers, the singers, and the Levites had been appointed, I gave my brother Hanani and Hananiah the governor of the castle charge over Jerusalem, for he was a more faithful and God-fearing man than many. And I said to them, “Let not the gates of Jerusalem be opened until the sun is hot. And while they are still standing guard, let them shut and bar the doors. Appoint guards from among the inhabitants of Jerusalem, some at their guard posts and some in front of their own homes.” The city was wide and large, but the people within it were few, and no houses had been rebuilt. (Nehemiah 7:1–4 ESV).

 

A person of integrity is someone who is honest, trustworthy, and acts with strong, consistent moral principles, doing the right thing even when difficult or unobserved, thereby building trust and respect through their ethical behavior, accountability, and authenticity. They align their actions with their values, demonstrating qualities like fairness, responsibility, and courage in all situations. We certainly don’t live in a culture that values such behavior. Regardless of your political leanings, surely you will agree that most news media do not merely report on events; the commentary is littered with opinion and information designed to sway those who read/listen to their beliefs. Often, the truth is lost somewhere in the oratory. Many of those in leadership, political and religious have been accused of various behaviors, often criminal in nature, further eroding a sense of trust.

 

Our reading today helps us to determine what real integrity ought to look like. Nehemiah knew some people that he could trust to do the right thing. He had observed Hananiah, for example, in his work as commander of the citadel. Nehemiah had seen Hananiah’s spiritual life in action, giving evidence of godly, discerning leadership and a heart willing to serve the Lord. Hananiah “feared God more than most people do.” In other words, his everyday life showed great respect for God as his King. He accepted that he was small and God was sovereign over his life. That’s what integrity looks like.

 

Jesus is our model of integrity. His life matched his character and being. Maybe that’s why people gathered around him; he was different from the teachers of the law and other religious leaders. Jesus was who he was, inside and out. Integrity, for Jesus, was to show what God was like—truth and grace wrapped into a human package.

 

Jesus wants us to be people of integrity. Commit yourself to being a person whose inner life is one of patience, goodness, and self-control that flow outward into deeds and words that bless others. Ask Jesus to fill your life with his holy character.