My master has withheld nothing from me except you, because you are his wife. How then could I do such a wicked thing and sin against God? – Gen. 39:9

I have observed that, so many people are doing very good things for the wrong reasons. They may mean well and care much, but it is all done for the wrong reasons. When put to the test, their real motives will be exposed.. Even though their actions may benefit or bring relief to many, they have no eternal consequences. Motive is all, when it comes down to what pleases God. It is the foundation upon which integrity stands. For one can do all the right things and still miss the mark. There is a name for it. It is called hypocrisy, the lack of integrity.

            Consider Charlie’s story. He had a problem with his children’s school fees and had defaulted on his rent for two months. Fortunately for him, Opanin Kwadwo Afram intervened before his eviction one Tuesday afternoon. Yet, that same week, Charlie sent money to his sister for his nephew’s school uniform, guaranteed a loan for his unemployed friend, and gave a handsome donation at a funeral in his hometown with much applause and handshakes. Why did Charlie do all that despite his dire financial condition?

They claim it is an obligation, a requirement, a ‘have to’, a tradition, love for a friend, and being a generous giver. It is all publicity-dependent behavior. Let everybody look away from him or dismiss the public recognition, and you will have a different ‘Charlie’.

Jesus had a stern warning for Charlie & Co. “Be careful not to do your righteousness before men, to be seen by them” (Matt. 6:1). He called such acts hypocrisy. He condemned them in our giving (v.2), praying (v.5), and fasting (v.16). It goes on in our churches, workplaces and even in our most sincere expressions of love for others. Our motives for doing what we do may be flawed.

Make no mistake about this. Our only act that has integrity, glorifies God, and brings eternal reward is that which is done out of love for Jesus. “And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus” (Col. 3:17). A person who lives this way says and does the same thing whether people are watching or not. That is integrity.

Joseph confronted a determined adulteress in his workplace. His master’s wife proposed a secret sexual deal that any young man his age could decline (Gen. 39:7). How could he look away from the seductress and be a “man” in her eyes? But Joseph was of a different breed and spirit. He was motivated by righteousness and God’s honor, so he prevailed. His private behavior remained the same as his public profession. He suffered prison life for his choice, but that didn’t change him. “His bow remained steady, his strong arms stayed limber,” as his father commented of him (Gen. 49:24). His heart was after God, the Mighty One of his father Jacob, the Shepherd and Rock of Israel, whose hand sustained him. Now, that’s integrity to the core!
How do you measure?