The high cost of integrity distinguishes people on both sides of the aisle. Some may yield because the price is too high, while others are prepared to make significant sacrifices to uphold their integrity. Like temptation, tests of integrity can arise unexpectedly, and our reactions are often determined long before we encounter them.
Abraham was a man of great faith who experienced many trials in his life as the Lord molded and shaped him. When his wife Sarah died, Abraham faced another test: one of integrity.
Let the Trial Begin
Abraham approached the Hittites after Sarah’s death to buy a cave for her burial and was willing to pay the full price in front of witnesses. Genesis 23:11 “No, lord,” Ephron the Hittite said to Abraham, “please listen to me. I will give you the field and the cave. Here in the presence of my people, I give it to you. Go and bury your dead.” [1]
As Abraham listened to Ephron, he determined to act justly and righteously, no matter the cost. Genesis 23:12 Abraham again bowed low before the citizens of the land, 13 and he replied to Ephron as everyone listened. “No, listen to me. I will buy it from you. Let me pay the full price for the field so I can bury my dead there.”[2]
Ephron suggested a price of 400 pieces of silver, and without any further negotiations, Abraham paid the amount. Although scholars agree the price was too high, Abraham paid it and claimed the property for himself. Ephron possessed what Abraham wanted, and instead of negotiating a price, he took the high road, making it clear that he did not want to take advantage of someone.
As believers, having high integrity provides us the opportunity to demonstrate through our actions how children of God should conduct themselves. When people ask why we act this way, it allows us to share with them the love of Jesus.
The Holy Spirit Assists Us in Walking With Integrity
As believers, we are sinful, yet with God’s strength, we can be overcomers. James 5:16The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results.[3] I may struggle with integrity, but through prayer and the work of the Holy Spirit, I can make the decision the Lord wants me to make. Yes, sometimes I may fail, but I can then confess my sins and begin again.
Often, those of high integrity became that way through spiritual transformation and did not start at the summit of integrity. The Psalmist tells us the importance of allowing God’s word to guide us in integrity. Psalm 119:105 Our word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path. [4]
To learn about the high cost of integrity, listen here:
https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/a-journey-through-grief-and-hope
[1-4] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers.