Character Counts

Who can find a trustworthy man, a righteous man who walks in his integrity?” (Proverbs 20:6-7).

And the search goes on! The above passage was written nearly 3,000 years ago, and yet, not much has changed. Where is the trustworthy man, where is the man of integrity today?

The dictionary definition of the word integrity is, “The quality of being honest and having strong moral principles and moral uprightness.”

Coming from the word integrate, the person of integrity is one in whom all of the parts of their person and life make an integrated whole, consistent statement in every arena of their lives. This is the person of whom one might say, “Their word is their bond, their Yes is Yes and their No is No.”

Psalm 15 tells us that the person of integrity works righteousness, speaks truth, does not slander, does no evil to another, does not take a bribe, gives their word and does not change, their word is their bond.

The person of integrity cannot be bought because they are, “…free from the love of money, content with what they have” (Hebrews 13:5). Business dealings are above reproach and on the table for all to see, no shady dealings here, no under the table pay offs.

In his Song of Songs, Solomon warned about the, “…little foxes that spoil the vine” (Song of Songs 2:15). For us, the little foxes represent little compromises that seem harmless but in the long run erode way at the fabric of character. The little foxes did not carry way clusters of grapes, they took little nips from the grapes, nips that pierced the peel, bruised and ruined the fruit. The little foxes may seem adorable but are capable of irreparable damage.

As I write, I am mindful of a blue book in the draw beside me. Since February 11, 1977, I have recorded every dollar that has been given to me for pastoral services (weddings, funerals, counseling, consulting, and speaker’s honorariums). My last entry was made on March 30, 2025. Every year since 1977, I have reported these amounts on an IRS Schedule C and reported them on my 1040 Tax Form. And over the past forty-eight years, there are many entries, and virtually all of these gifts were given in cash.

Over the years, for keeping such records, I have even been chided by some, telling me that I am fool for reporting these earnings. I have been told that they were gifts and that I do not need to report these gifts, put them in your pocket and forget them. To which I have simply replied, “I would have never received these gifts if I had not performed a service of some type?” That is called income.

Now, understand, I don’t want the IRS breathing down my neck just as no one else does. But that is not the primary reason that I report this income. For me, it is an issue of integrity and honesty, before God and it also makes it easier to look at my own reflection in the mirror. By the way, I also believe that God has honored that choice and has made up for any loss that I may have incurred over the years. Why do I say this?

Proverbs 2:7 says, “God is a shield to those who walk in integrity.” As I have attended to the little foxes over the years, God has had my back. He has built a wall of fire around my home, He has sheltered my family in the mighty fortress that is His name, He has protected my livelihood, and all things have worked together for good as I have sought first His kingdom and His righteousness (Matthew 6:33).

These are the benefits that He calls me to never forget and for which He calls me to continually bless His name (Psalm 103:2).

May God be a shield to you my friend as you commit yourself daily to being a person of integrity.