Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but whoever takes crooked paths will be found out.” Proverbs 10:9 (NIV)
When it comes to making decisions, big or small, the Bible offers plenty of wisdom.
One principle it reiterates is what I call the Integrity Test.
When you’re making a decision, ask yourself, “Would I want everyone in my community to know about this decision?”
If the thought of other people finding out about your decision worries you, then you’re probably making the wrong decision.
Bad decisions lead to secrecy, and that kind of secret always leads to pain in your life.
Proverbs 10:9 says, “Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but whoever takes crooked paths will be found out” (NIV).
Notice it doesn’t say “might be found out” or even “probably will be found out.” You will be found out!
You’ve seen how this happens: You’re about to make a bad choice.
You know it’s wrong, but you think, “I’ll go ahead and do it because no one will ever know.”
Then, as soon as the decision is made, you think, “Somebody’s going to find out!” And you feel the fear that comes from that.
That’s when you’ve violated the Integrity Test.
When you have integrity, your public life and your private life match. What’s in your heart is the same as what other people see on the outside.
What you say and what you do are in harmony.
The next time you’re faced with a decision, whether in your church or in another area of your life, follow the Integrity Test.
Ask, “Am I okay with other people finding out about this decision?
Can I make this choice with a clear conscience?
Do I believe this is wrong?”
Pastor, God has given you the wisdom of the Bible and of the Holy Spirit because he loves you.
The Integrity Test will help keep you on the path that God knows is for your good.
One principle it reiterates is what I call the Integrity Test.
Bad decisions lead to secrecy, and that kind of secret always leads to pain in your life.
Proverbs 10:9 says, “Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but whoever takes crooked paths will be found out” (NIV).
You know it’s wrong, but you think, “I’ll go ahead and do it because no one will ever know.”
Then, as soon as the decision is made, you think, “Somebody’s going to find out!” And you feel the fear that comes from that.
That’s when you’ve violated the Integrity Test.
What you say and what you do are in harmony.
Ask, “Am I okay with other people finding out about this decision?
Can I make this choice with a clear conscience?
Do I believe this is wrong?”
The Integrity Test will help keep you on the path that God knows is for your good.
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