Integrity for Home and Business
Wisdom from Psalm 101
Many people feel "stuck" in toxic relationships at home and work because they don't know how to apply scriptural boundaries. I've seen some ask for "chapter and verse" to give them reason enough to call a stop to those who are harming in toxic ways. These folks have yet to learn to apply Biblical principles in their walk with Jesus and interaction with others. We are neither doormats nor dominators, and the Bible has a lot to say about who we interact with; by paying close attention, we can choose to live in peace – by the Book!
What is Integrity?
In his book Integrity, Henry Cloud helps us understand that being "integrated" is intentionally fusing our core beliefs with our behavior. In other words, we are demonstrating integrity when our actions line up with what we say we believe.
"I will lead a life of integrity in my own home." ~ David, Psalm 101:2b
Get ready! The psalmist is about to tell us what it looks like to align our values with what we're willing to tolerate. He starts where the rubber meets the road: in our own homes, the truth always comes out among the people who know us best. What we do behind closed doors reflects who we truly are.
"I will refuse to look at anything vile and vulgar." Psalm 101:3a
First, we make a conscious choice to resist influences that corrupt. God is holy, and calls us to be holy as well. If we are to develop integrity, we must put away vile and vulgar entertainment, addictions, books, music, or anything at odds with God's holiness.
"I hate all who deal crookedly; I will have nothing to do with them." Psalm 101:3b
Those who connive and deceive others, who seek to get rather than give are put on the "no contact" list. The psalmist draws a boundary with people who are dishonest because of the harm they cause. He removes himself from their circle (including people who live in the home) so they will not trip him in his walk with God. If you are married to person who "deals crookedly", and you see no signs of genuine repentance or faith, this person is counted as an unbeliever with whom you should have nothing to do, especially in your own home.
"I will reject perverse ideas and stay away from every evil." Psalm 101:4
How often do you think about what you're thinking about? Have you noticed that three voices are active in your head: your own, the Holy Spirit's, and the enemy's? The enemy places twisted, untrue ideas in your head. Through the Holy Spirit, you have the power to resist those thoughts (2 Cor. 10.5; Jas. 4:7) so you can re-direct the actions that come about as a result of your thinking.
"I will not tolerate people who slander their neighbors." Psalm 101:5a
We need strongly held boundaries with toxic people who criticize, lie about, or gossip about others. Behavior is catchy; if we are to follow Christ, we cannot interact with those who are opposed to His ways – even if they are church members or family members.
"I will not endure conceit and pride." Psalm 101:5b
Pride is an abomination to God and a cancer to us. Though self-righteousness and arrogance are bound in our hearts, the Holy Spirit can give us power to grow in humility. We must surround ourselves with others who also desire to develop humility rather than gravitate toward prideful people (hint: they are the ones always attracting attention to themselves).
"I will search for faithful people to be my companions." Psalm 101:6a
Faithfulness is a positive trait to look for in those closest to us. These are people of integrity who reflect God's character in doing what they say they will do, who show up for you, who are loyal and honest, who are seeking after God, and who live what they say they believe.
"Only those who are above reproach will be allowed to serve me. I will not allow deceivers to serve in my house; and liars will not stay in my presence. My daily task will be to ferret out the wicked and free the city of the LORD from their grip." Psalm 101:6b-8
David is serious about the people who work for him and circulate in his house. He knows we become like the people we hang out with, so in order to single-mindedly serve the Lord, we must be choosy about people we intentionally spend time with. Otherwise, we will drift toward confusion as our minds exercise futility in trying to reconcile opposing value systems.
Developing Integrity is Life-giving
If we are to live in peace, integrity is the most important ingredient in our lives, both at home and at work. We can spend years spinning our wheels, trying to resolve what can't be resolved if we fail to hear what Scripture teaches regarding personal integrity and our closest relations. Relationships are only as close as our shared values, regardless of family connection (Amos 3:3). To walk in obedience to God means making hard but gracious choices, removing man-made idols (including people), and seeking God's best by faith that He knows what He's talking about.
Subscribe to free weekly articles in your inbox HERE; your information will never be shared. :-)
©2022 Julianne Knapp. First Published 11.29.22
Many people feel "stuck" in toxic relationships at home and work because they don't know how to apply scriptural boundaries. I've seen some ask for "chapter and verse" to give them reason enough to call a stop to those who are harming in toxic ways. These folks have yet to learn to apply Biblical principles in their walk with Jesus and interaction with others. We are neither doormats nor dominators, and the Bible has a lot to say about who we interact with; by paying close attention, we can choose to live in peace – by the Book!
What is Integrity?
In his book Integrity, Henry Cloud helps us understand that being "integrated" is intentionally fusing our core beliefs with our behavior. In other words, we are demonstrating integrity when our actions line up with what we say we believe.
"I will lead a life of integrity in my own home." ~ David, Psalm 101:2b
Get ready! The psalmist is about to tell us what it looks like to align our values with what we're willing to tolerate. He starts where the rubber meets the road: in our own homes, the truth always comes out among the people who know us best. What we do behind closed doors reflects who we truly are.
"I will refuse to look at anything vile and vulgar." Psalm 101:3a
First, we make a conscious choice to resist influences that corrupt. God is holy, and calls us to be holy as well. If we are to develop integrity, we must put away vile and vulgar entertainment, addictions, books, music, or anything at odds with God's holiness.
"I hate all who deal crookedly; I will have nothing to do with them." Psalm 101:3b
Those who connive and deceive others, who seek to get rather than give are put on the "no contact" list. The psalmist draws a boundary with people who are dishonest because of the harm they cause. He removes himself from their circle (including people who live in the home) so they will not trip him in his walk with God. If you are married to person who "deals crookedly", and you see no signs of genuine repentance or faith, this person is counted as an unbeliever with whom you should have nothing to do, especially in your own home.
"I will reject perverse ideas and stay away from every evil." Psalm 101:4
How often do you think about what you're thinking about? Have you noticed that three voices are active in your head: your own, the Holy Spirit's, and the enemy's? The enemy places twisted, untrue ideas in your head. Through the Holy Spirit, you have the power to resist those thoughts (2 Cor. 10.5; Jas. 4:7) so you can re-direct the actions that come about as a result of your thinking.
"I will not tolerate people who slander their neighbors." Psalm 101:5a
We need strongly held boundaries with toxic people who criticize, lie about, or gossip about others. Behavior is catchy; if we are to follow Christ, we cannot interact with those who are opposed to His ways – even if they are church members or family members.
"I will not endure conceit and pride." Psalm 101:5b
Pride is an abomination to God and a cancer to us. Though self-righteousness and arrogance are bound in our hearts, the Holy Spirit can give us power to grow in humility. We must surround ourselves with others who also desire to develop humility rather than gravitate toward prideful people (hint: they are the ones always attracting attention to themselves).
"I will search for faithful people to be my companions." Psalm 101:6a
Faithfulness is a positive trait to look for in those closest to us. These are people of integrity who reflect God's character in doing what they say they will do, who show up for you, who are loyal and honest, who are seeking after God, and who live what they say they believe.
"Only those who are above reproach will be allowed to serve me. I will not allow deceivers to serve in my house; and liars will not stay in my presence. My daily task will be to ferret out the wicked and free the city of the LORD from their grip." Psalm 101:6b-8
David is serious about the people who work for him and circulate in his house. He knows we become like the people we hang out with, so in order to single-mindedly serve the Lord, we must be choosy about people we intentionally spend time with. Otherwise, we will drift toward confusion as our minds exercise futility in trying to reconcile opposing value systems.
Developing Integrity is Life-giving
If we are to live in peace, integrity is the most important ingredient in our lives, both at home and at work. We can spend years spinning our wheels, trying to resolve what can't be resolved if we fail to hear what Scripture teaches regarding personal integrity and our closest relations. Relationships are only as close as our shared values, regardless of family connection (Amos 3:3). To walk in obedience to God means making hard but gracious choices, removing man-made idols (including people), and seeking God's best by faith that He knows what He's talking about.
Subscribe to free weekly articles in your inbox HERE; your information will never be shared. :-)
©2022 Julianne Knapp. First Published 11.29.22