Growing in Integrity at WorkSample

Begin in Prayer

Devotional – Integrity Through Resisting Compromise

Imagine being identified as a talented rising star by a world-renowned leader. Somehow, they became aware of you and hand-picked you to ascend through the ranks of their organization. That would feel great, wouldn’t it? It would be tempting to compromise your values to chase the picture that was being painted for you.

That’s the situation Daniel was in. He was chosen by Nebuchadnezzar and identified as a valuable asset. But shortly after that, Daniel had to face voices contrary to God’s desires for him. Because of Daniel’s integrity, he was able to resist the flattery, reject the compromises he was being asked to make, and refuse to be assimilated into a culture that ran counter to his faith. His strength and reliability came from commitments he made before he found himself in the crucible of cultural assimilation.

Everywhere Daniel turned, there was a temptation to compromise his faith. Sometimes he was even commanded to. But Daniel continued to live and work in a way that honored God as God.

When we do what is right - especially when it costs us - we are saying that God’s priorities and order are more important than temporary personal gain. Integrity is the practical demonstration that we are putting God first.

Pause and consider:

• What are the gray areas in your industry and in your specific role?
• Where would it be easy to compromise your faith?
• Who helps you remember that you are a citizen of a different kingdom?

God desires to shape you into His image, and the workplace is a field rich with opportunity to be transformed. Paying attention to the way you work and resisting the urge to cut corners can not only be a witness to others but also yield growth and spiritual maturity.

Close in Prayer

God, thank you for the many opportunities for discipleship that you extend to me. Give me the courage to choose the “difficult right” instead of the “easier wrong.” Give me a distaste for compromise especially when it comes in the form of flattery. And give me strength to model integrity as strength lived out in wholeness and demonstrated by consistent reliability. Amen.