Integrity.
All through the Scriptures "integrity" is commended. It is a characteristic of the saints. Whatever else they are, they must be men of integrity. This does not mean that they are morally perfect, or that they have any ground for trusting in their own righteousness; but it means that they have an "honest and good heart." Whatever may have been their past life, or however much of imperfection may still cleave to them, they are conscious of a pure intent, a firm and steadfast resolve to trust only what is true, to do only what is right, and to order their whole conduct according to the holy will of God. They can say, as Joseph's brethren did, "We be true men;" or with Paul, "We serve God with a pure conscience."
I. INTEGRITY IS ESSENTIAL TO A RIGHT RELATION TO GOD. God desireth "truth in the inward parts." All guile and falsehood are offensive to him. If we are to come to him, we must come just as we are; and if we are to abide with him, we must walk in the truth. Integrity lies at the very basis of faith, and "without faith it is impossible to please God."
II. INTEGRITY IS ESSENTIAL TO THE POSSESSION OF A TRUE CHARACTER. "There is no redeeming efficacy in right intent; taken by itself, it would never vanquish the inward state of evil at all. And yet it is just that by which all evil will be vanquished, under Christ and by grace, because it puts the soul in such a state as makes the grace-power of Christ co-working with it effectual." "The sinning man, who comes into integrity of aim, is put thereby at the very gate of faith, where all God's helps are waiting for him" (Bushnell). There is a vital connection between "integrity" and "truth" (Psalms 26:1, Psalms 26:3). "Truth" is of God. "Integrity" belongs to us. We can only have truth, as we receive it from God. We can only have "integrity" as we allow God's truth to rule our hearts and our lives. First the heart is made right by being directed into the love of God, and then the life is made holy and beautiful by being swayed by the will of God. This leads to unity and completeness of character.
III. INTEGRITY IS ESSENTIAL TO THE RIGHT DISCHARGE OF OUR SOCIAL DUTIES In society we meet with "vain persons," "dissemblers," and "evil-doers" (Psalms 26:4-6). This is a test and an education. A man is known by his friends. There is a power for good in good companionships, and for evil in evil companionships. But if we are walking in truth, we cannot but hate all that is alien and hostile to truth. Our choice will be truth, and not vanity. Our delight will be in honesty, not in "dissemblers." Our fellowship will be with the righteous, and not with "evil-doers" (Psalms 119:63). It is only as we ourselves are true that we can commend the truth to others. It is only as we ourselves are upright in all our dealings that we can secure respect and confidence, and that we can best advance the interests of religion.
IV. INTEGRITY IS ESSENTIAL TO FULL DELIGHT IN RELIGIOUS ORDINANCES. (Psalms 26:6 -8.) There are some who are neglectful (Hebrews 10:25); there are others who satisfy themselves with formal observances (2 Timothy 3:5). In these ends there can be no real pleasure in what is done. But where there is integrity, the heart is engaged, there will be diligence, preparation and prayer, and increasing joy in the worship and service of God (Psalms 33:1-22 :31; Psalms 119:2). God's presence is the attraction and life of all true worship. The more deeply we feel our sinfulness, the more earnestly will be our cry for mercy. The more truly we realize that the will of God is "our sanctification,'' the more fervently shall we "press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus."
V. THAT INTEGRITY IS ESSENTIAL TO THE ASSURED HOPE OF A BRIGHT FUTURE. (Psalms 26:9-12.) The very fact of what we are is a prophecy as to destroy (Romans 5:10; Philippians 1:6). Looking to the past, we confess that it is wholly of grace that we have been turned unto God. Looking within, we are conscious of a sincere resolve to follow after holiness. Looking to the future, we are able to cast ourselves with implicit confidence on the care of God our Saviour. God is true, and he will not forsake. God is just, and he will never condemn the righteous with the wicked. It is only those whose hearts are right with God that can face the future without fear. When we commit ourselves to God we are safe. We have not only a sure standing, as accepted in Christ Jesus, but we are comforted by the fellowship of kindred hearts, and cheered by the hope of being kept from falling, and having in the end an "entrance ministered to us abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ" (2 Peter 1:5-11).—W.F.
HOMILIES BY C. SHORT