Integrity

Jul 23, 2025

 

GOD’S WORD

Ruth 3; Proverbs 10:9; II Timothy 2:15; Psalm 41:12 

When I was in high school, my family moved into the home that had belonged to my grandparents since 1960. Being built in 1929, one would expect that an old home such as this one would have potential concerns.  However, it has withstood rogue hurricanes (even in landlocked Kentucky), winter storms, power outages, and multiple teenagers through the years.  Regular maintenance was key to protect the interior from further wear and tear. Nighttime would be the scariest time in that old house.  When it was quiet, and everyone else was asleep, you could hear the creaks as it continued to settle from 96 years of life.  This settling continued as elements and insects made their way into its foundation.  

Recently, I received a frantic phone call from my mother.  She heard a loud noise from the basement and the house physically shook.  To her dismay, an internal wall that seemed weight bearing, was bowing and was in danger of giving way. Understandably, this created a lot of anxiety, and panic. Her worst fears of the house falling in around her were coming true. After processing her worries, she decided to call in a professional. Thankfully, he was able to come right over.  After a few jacks were put into place, he was able to permanently brace the structure, giving it the support it needed to keep the integrity of the wall intact.  The house was safe to live in, and my mother’s fears were abated. 

Much like the integrity of a building, the integrity of character is an important element needed to build a foundation of trust in relationships.  If one consistently breaks promises or contradicts what they say they are going to do, this integrity can erode.  When we break someone’s trust, we sever the bond between us and the other person.  This damages the foundation of the relationship and prevents anything deeper to be laid upon it.   

In chapter 3 of Ruth, Boaz wakened to find Ruth at his feet.  While her actions would have been recognized as appropriate cultural customs to signify the family redemption request, it was out of place for a woman to be on the threshing floor, especially at night.  Boaz recognized that Ruth was seeking his help and affirmed his willingness to provide for her family.  He however explained news that Naomi and Ruth were not aware of.  There was another relative who would have first rights to buy the family’s land.   

Could Boaz have agreed without checking with the other family redeemer? I am sure the answer is yes, but the significance of Boaz’s pause is striking.  He trusted the process.  By the gifts he gave Ruth on her way out of the threshing floor, double the amount of barley she gleaned on the first day, his interest in her was certainly evident. He wasn’t leaving anything to chance.  He wanted to fulfill his commitment without any doubt.  Boaz’s reputation as a man of godly character was evident to all.  Naomi trusted that he would settle the matter quickly. “Just be patient my daughter, until we hear what happens” (Ruth 3:18).  You can hear the hope rising in Naomi’s voice.  He would redeem their family, either through himself or ensure that the other unnamed family member would.   

Solomon writes in Proverbs 10:9, “Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but whoever takes crooked paths will be found out.” It can be tempting to influence a situation to get our own way.  What seems like a harmless shortcut or manipulation can be a sign of a deep darkness in our own heart.  When sin is in our heart, our integrity becomes like the bowed wall in my mother’s basement.  As more sin seeps in, your heart dissolves.  It will not be able to withstand its weight without the Holy Spirit intervening and bringing His holy restoration. Just as a house needs regular maintenance to prevent structural issues, we need routine maintenance in our own hearts.  Do you have someone with whom you can check in?  Someone who could help determine if there is any sin seepage happening or crack’s in your heart’s foundation?  Accountability is a great way to ensure that your integrity is still intact.      

Boaz could have taken what was given to him without going through the proper and legal process, but it would have been tainted had he done so.  “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15). Whatever decision would come, he could hold his head high knowing he handled it in the proper way, without manipulation.  May we consider Boaz’s example in our decision making.  Trust in the process and as David realized in Psalms 41:12, “because of my integrity you uphold me and set me in your presence forever.”  May you be in His presence forever because of your integrity. 

 OUR CORPORATE PRAYER

Father, we come before You today, seeking Your guidance and strength.

Fill us with the spirit of integrity, that our actions may always align with our words, and our character reflect Your unwavering truth. Help us to be honest in all our dealings, whether big or small, and to choose the path of righteousness even when it's difficult. May we always act with transparency and sincerity, building trust in our relationships and upholding the values You've instilled within us. Grant us the courage to stand firm in our convictions, to resist temptation, and to always do what is right, even when no one is watching.

Let our lives be a testament to Your unfailing love and a beacon of integrity in a world that needs it desperately.

In Jesus’ name we pray, amen.


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