Rise Up The Jesus Way: Integrity
What does it mean to rise up the Jesus way? In this final part of the series, we turn our attention to integrity.
Integrity is a word often used but not always understood. The dictionary defines it as “the quality of being honest and having strong moral principles” and also “the state of being whole or undivided.” In everyday life, we use the word in contexts like construction or jewellery to describe something that is stable, trustworthy, and lasting.
But biblical integrity goes even deeper. Integrity is the consistency of character that reflects God’s truth and love, whether or not anyone else is watching. It is faithfulness under pressure, honesty in action, and wholeness of heart. It produces unity, growth, and love. It’s about being the same person in public as you are in private, and not folding when life tests you.
Let Your Yes Be Yes
Jesus addressed integrity directly in Matthew 5:33–37:
“All you need to say is simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’; anything beyond this comes from the evil one.”
In other words, let your words and your actions line up. Say what you mean, and mean what you say—with love. Integrity does not compromise on truth, yet it does not crush people either. It loves others without condition, while remaining rooted in God’s unchanging Word.
Integrity means standing firm in who you believe in—Jesus Christ—even when the world pressures you to bend.
A Lesson from Peter
Consider the story of Simon Peter. He boldly declared he would follow Jesus to prison or even to death. Yet, when the moment of testing came, he denied Jesus three times. Luke 22 tells us that when the rooster crowed, Jesus turned and looked at Peter. Overcome, Peter wept bitterly.
It’s easy to view this as a failure, but notice what happened later: the same Peter who denied Jesus became the one who stood before thousands at Pentecost and proclaimed the gospel with boldness. Integrity is not about never stumbling—it’s about conviction, repentance, and transformation through Christ.
So, how can we rise up with integrity the Jesus way? Let’s look at four essential steps.
1. Knowing the Integrity of God’s Word
God’s Word is complete. It does not need to be “seasoned” or altered to make it more palatable. Unlike a recipe that we tweak to taste, the Bible is already perfectly seasoned for every situation of life.
Isaiah 55:11 reminds us:
“So shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose.”
The Word of God is sufficient. When Scripture declares that you are fearfully and wonderfully made, redeemed, and loved—you don’t need to add to it or take away from it. Integrity begins by trusting God’s Word as enough.
2. Embracing the Integrity of God’s Love
God’s love is more than words—it is action.
1 John 3:16–18 teaches us that because Christ laid down His life for us, we ought to do the same for others. Love is not just a statement; it’s a lifestyle of serving, giving, and stepping into action when we see a need.
To rise up with integrity means we love people not just in theory but in practice. Integrity compels us to move from words to deeds, from passive agreement to active compassion.
3. Choosing to Live a Life of Integrity
Integrity doesn’t happen by accident. It is a daily choice to live consistently with who Jesus has called us to be.
Titus 2:7–8 urges believers:
“In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned.”
This means being faithful in the little things—following through when we say we’ll pray for someone, keeping promises, and living transparently. It also means resisting compromise when no one else is watching.
Young people today, and really people of every age, are craving authenticity. They don’t want half-hearted faith or hollow words. They long to see real integrity in action—a faith that is lived, not just spoken.
4. Testing the Integrity of Our Faith
Jesus told the parable of the wise and foolish builders in Matthew 7. One built on rock, the other on sand. When the storms came, only the house built on the rock stood firm.
The storms of life—trials, temptations, grief, doubt—will test the integrity of our faith. The question is not whether storms will come, but whether we have built our lives on the solid foundation of Christ.
Peter described these trials as refining fire that proves the genuineness of our faith (1 Peter 1:6–7). Integrity does not mean avoiding hardship but standing firm through it, anchored to the Rock that never shifts.
From Denial to Declaration
Integrity is not about perfection. Even Peter, who faltered under pressure, was restored by Jesus and empowered by the Holy Spirit to become a bold witness. What changed? He locked eyes with Jesus—not in guilt, but in conviction and grace.
Integrity begins with the gaze of Jesus. In His eyes, we find not condemnation but strength to rise up again. The same Spirit that transformed Peter can transform us into people of integrity—consistent, courageous, and faithful in word and deed.
Rising Up the Jesus Way
To rise up with integrity the Jesus way means:
- Trusting the sufficiency of God’s Word.
- Putting God’s love into action.
- Choosing daily to live authentically.
- Standing firm when our faith is tested.
Integrity is not built in an instant. It is formed in the small daily decisions to say “yes” to truth, “no” to compromise, and to live transparently before God and others.
And here’s the good news: when we fail, Jesus offers grace, restoration, and strength to rise again. Just as Peter went from denial to bold declaration, so can we.
Reflection & Application
Here are five questions to help you reflect and apply this message:
- In what areas of your life do your words and actions most need to align?
- How can you move from saying “I love” to actively showing love this week?
- Are there any hidden areas where integrity slips when no one is watching?
- What storms are currently testing your faith, and how can you stand on the Rock of Christ in the midst of them?
- How can you cultivate daily practices that build a consistent, authentic life of integrity?