As we start 2025, and following on the charge to intentionally evaluate our individual preparation for the coming of the Lord, have you wondered what the word integrity means to you as a believer? In Genesis 20:4-7 the Lord God almighty affirmed this word in the conversation of a man pleading his cause, appealing to an attribute that the almighty God valued. But fast forward to Job 2:3, 9-10.

And the Lord said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil? and still he holdeth fast his integrity, although thou movedst me against him, to destroy him without cause… Then said his wife unto him, Dost thou still retain thine integrity? curse God, and die. But he said unto her, Thou speakest as one of the foolish women speaketh. What? shall we receive good at the hand of God, and shall we not receive evil? In all this did not Job sin with his lips. Job 2:3,9-10.

From this scripture we clearly see that integrity has everything to do with:

1. Fearing God
2. Eschewing evil, whatever our circumstances are notwithstanding.

Satan’s test or demands on God in the matter of Job was asking God, if the two things for which he (Satan) was judged and cast out were not present in Job. He basically taunted His creator that these character flaws of singular pursuit of:

1. Self-interest (Isaiah 14:13,14); and
2. Personal gain (Ezekiel 28:16a,18)

were not manifest in Job’s life, only because God was blessing Job. Satan claimed that Job like all people would compromise if God stopped protecting and blessing him. Job was brought to face these issues.

Dear brother, dear sister, how will life’s challenges impact your

1. Beliefs
2. Values
3. Relationship with God in this year 2025?

As you ponder these in your heart, reflect on these fundamentals that were at stake in the challenge thrown by Job’s wife out of seeing the agony her husband was passing through. Integrity is a word we casualize in use, we will dig deeper to bring clarity of meaning and biblical intent in the use of this word to see whether our lives measure up and if not, now is the time to seek the Lord. Selah.

Pastor Afolabi Oladele