What steps can we take to uphold integrity in our communities? Setting the scene Acts 6 recounts the rapid growth of the early church. Stephen, “a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit,” is serving faithfully. Yet verse 11 records a dark turn: “Then they prompted some men to say, ‘We heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses and against God.’” Those words were manufactured. Integrity was trampled so that false witnesses could advance an agenda. From this moment, Scripture gives us clear guidance on how to keep that same poison from seeping into our own communities. Integrity violated • False testimony—direct disobedience to Exodus 20:16, “You shall not bear false witness.” • Manipulated people—men were “prompted,” revealing how gossip and deceit recruit others. • Public damage—Stephen’s reputation and ministry were dragged before the council. Whenever truth is twisted, the whole body suffers (1 Corinthians 12:26). Practices that protect integrity 1. Speak truth at all times • “Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor.” (Ephesians 4:25) • Refuse half-truths, exaggerations, or spin. 2. Refuse to lend your voice to gossip • Proverbs 20:19 warns, “He who goes about as a gossip reveals secrets; therefore do not associate with one who flatters with his lips.” • If information has not been confirmed, do not repeat it. 3. Confront falsehood graciously but firmly • Jesus calls us to address sin “between you and him alone” first (Matthew 18:15). • Silence can imply agreement; gentle correction protects the body. 4. Cultivate transparency in leadership • “Provide for honorable things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men.” (2 Corinthians 8:21) • Open books, clear communication, and shared decision-making discourage whispers. 5. Keep short accounts with God and people • Daily confession (1 John 1:9) keeps hearts tender. • Quick apologies restore trust before cracks widen. 6. Model integrity for the next generation • “The righteous man walks in his integrity; blessed are his children after him.” (Proverbs 20:7) • Children imitate what they observe more than what they are told. 7. Anchor your mind in what is honorable • Philippians 4:8 urges us to dwell on “whatever is true… honorable… just.” • Media choices, conversations, and even humor shape community norms. Guarding our hearts • Pray Psalm 139:23-24 regularly: invite the Lord to expose hidden motives. • Memorize Proverbs 11:3: “The integrity of the upright guides them, but the perversity of the treacherous destroys them.” • Fast from complaining and criticism for a season; notice how quickly negativity regroups. • Surround yourself with people who love the truth, not simply those who love agreement. Applying it together • Set a community standard: if a matter concerns someone not present, direct it to that person, not to a side audience. • Establish accountability pairs or small groups where honest confession is welcomed and confidentiality is honored. • Celebrate integrity stories—testimonies of truth told, wrongs righted, trust restored. Positive reinforcement strengthens good habits. • Review ministry procedures to ensure financial and relational transparency; nothing undermines credibility faster than mishandled resources. Encouragement from Christ’s example Jesus faced false witnesses (Mark 14:55-59) yet “committed no sin, nor was any deceit found in His mouth.” (1 Peter 2:22) By His Spirit He empowers believers to walk the same path. Integrity is not a lofty ideal but a daily choice rooted in the gospel. Holding to truth, refusing deceit, and confronting sin lovingly create communities where Christ’s light shines and the schemes of Acts 6:11 find no foothold. |
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