God created each of us for success! Each of us were made for more!
(Daniel 6:3 NKJV) Then this Daniel distinguished himself above the governors and satraps, because an excellent spirit was in him; and the king gave thought to setting him over the whole realm.
Excellence (Online Definition) – consistent in good character, attitude, quality, and standards.
- A spirit of excellence is found in our identity.
- A spirit of excellence does not compromise!
- A spirit of excellence is a spirit of humility.
- Promotion will always follow true humility!
- A spirit of excellence walks in integrity.
Integrity – (Dictionary) – the state of being whole, entire or undiminished.
How Do I Walk in Integrity?
We begin the walk of integrity in the small everyday things.
- Integrity is a decision to have your life aligned with God’s Word.
My VW was out of alignment. Rattles, shakes, can cause damage.
- Integrity is something you must practice every day. (It is not human nature.)
- Don’t give your word unless you intend to keep it.
(Psalms 15:4 NLT) Those who… keep their promises even when it hurts.
(Psalms 15:4 MSG) …”Keep your word even when it costs you,
Follow through on your commitments.
(Matthew 5:37 MSG) Just say ‘yes’ and ‘no.’ When you manipulate words to get your own way, you go wrong.
If you have no respect for your own word and keeping it, you will always have a difficult time believing in the integrity of God’s Word.
- Place a high value on the truth.
(Proverbs 13:5 NIV) The righteous hate what is false, but the wicked make themselves a stench and bring shame on themselves.
If you are a person of integrity, you will have this thing on the inside of you that you cannot stand lies.
Lies break down relationships because it erodes and destroys trust and confidence in people. Love the truth. Seek after the truth.
- Do not be greedy.
(Proverbs 15:27 NLT) Greed brings grief to the whole family, but those who hate bribes will live.
(Proverbs 13:11 NLT) Wealth from get-rich-quick schemes quickly disappears; wealth from hard work grows over time.
We do not go for an unfair edge in our business dealings. You give value for what is being paid for by the other person.
Integrity always goes above and beyond in all that we do especially where money is concerned.
Integrity seeks the betterment of others; not just self.
- Maintain moral purity.
If you want to walk in integrity, then you must walk in a high biblical standard where your sex life is concerned.
(1 Timothy 4:12 NKJV) Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity.
You must maintain the integrity of your marriage even in a society that really does not hold to that standard.
(1 Thessalonians 5:22 TPT) Avoid every appearance of evil.
Billy Graham – Modesto Manifesto (1948) Billy Graham, Cliff Barrows, Grady Wilson, George Beverly Shea resolved to avoid any situation that would have even the appearance of compromise of suspicion.
- Stay out of areas you do not belong.
(1 Thessalonians 4:11 MSG) (11) Stay calm; mind your own business; do your own job. You’ve heard all this from us before, but a reminder never hurts.
Don’t try and insert yourself into situations where you do not have the facts on the matter. Be careful that you don’t make judgments before you hear all the sides in the matter.
(Proverbs 18:13 NLT) Spouting off before listening to the facts is both shameful and foolish.
(Proverbs 26:17 AMPC) He who, passing by, stops to meddle with strife that is none of his business is like one who takes a dog by the ears.
- The world cannot slam the door on the child of God who walks in integrity.
(Psalms 25:21 NKJV) Let integrity and uprightness preserve me, For I wait for You.
(Psalms 26:1 NKJV) A Psalm of David. Vindicate me, O LORD, For I have walked in my integrity. I have also trusted in the LORD; I shall not slip.
(Daniel 6:1-4 NLT) Darius the Mede decided to divide the kingdom into 120 provinces, and he appointed a high officer to rule over each province. (2) The king also chose Daniel and two others as administrators to supervise the high officers and protect the king’s interests. (3) Daniel soon proved himself more capable than all the other administrators and high officers. Because of Daniel’s great ability, the king made plans to place him over the entire empire. (4) Then the other administrators and high officers began searching for some fault in the way Daniel was handling government affairs, but they couldn’t find anything to criticize or condemn. He was faithful, always responsible, and completely trustworthy.
(Daniel 6:25-28 NLT) Then King Darius sent this message to the people of every race and nation and language throughout the world: “Peace and prosperity to you! (26) “I decree that everyone throughout my kingdom should tremble with fear before the God of Daniel. For He is the living God, and He will endure forever. His kingdom will never be destroyed, and His rule will never end. (27) He rescues and saves His people; He performs miraculous signs and wonders in the heavens and on earth. He has rescued Daniel from the power of the lions.” (28) So Daniel prospered during the reign of Darius and the reign of Cyrus the Persian.