July 21, 2025
The Power of Integrity
Why truth doesn’t just require courage – but makes us strong
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Bible Text
“Truthful lips endure forever, but a lying tongue lasts only a moment.”
Proverbs 12:19
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Introduction
Honesty sounds simple – until it costs you something. A lower grade, an uncomfortable truth, a conflict with friends. Suddenly, integrity becomes a real challenge.
But it’s in those moments that your true character shows. Not when everything is easy – but when you have to choose: comfortable or honest?
Today, we want to explore why integrity isn’t weakness, but a quiet, powerful force that shapes your character – and draws you closer to God.
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Devotional
Ellen White once wrote:
“There are people who have identified themselves so completely with the truth that even death could not separate them from it.”
What a powerful image. These are people whose lives are so firmly rooted in truth that nothing – not even death – could shake them.
But sadly, the opposite is often true:
“Those who avoid the truth out of fear of offending someone are, in fact, bearing witness to a lie.”
In other words: when we stay silent even though we know the truth, we share responsibility for the lie. Our silence can speak just as loudly.
Many people don’t lie with bad intentions, but they bend the truth to fit in, to avoid tension, or to gain advantage. Ellen White warns:
“The easy and free juggling of truth and pretense just to conform to others’ opinions leads to the shipwreck of faith.”
Truth is not a toy. It’s a core value of Christian character. In Ephesians 6:14, Paul calls us to:
“Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place.”
Truth is a shield – a belt that holds everything together. Those who live honestly, live in freedom.
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Story – The Grade That Changed Everything
Jonathan was an ambitious student, well-liked by teachers and classmates. His grades were good – but not perfect. But that was exactly his goal: to achieve the best GPA in order to win a scholarship. His family didn’t have much money, and the scholarship was his only real shot at the university of his dreams.
In the final math exam of the year, he fell just two points short of the top grade. Two points – it meant: no scholarship. No university. No future. When he got the paper back, he was devastated. He knew his teacher sometimes made grading mistakes.
He looked over the test again – with a plan. At the end, there was one problem with an incomplete solution. Jonathan took a different pen and wrote the correct result into the empty space. Then he went to his teacher.
“Mr. Meier, I think you missed something here,” he said calmly, pointing to the problem. The teacher examined it, frowned – and nodded. “You’re right. I must have missed that. I’ll add the two points.”
Jonathan got a perfect score. With that grade, he applied – and received the scholarship. His family was overjoyed.
But then something unexpected happened.
A few weeks later, his younger sister visited him in his room. She had seen what Jonathan had done with the pen. And she asked just one quiet question:
“Was that the truth?”
Jonathan froze. He had told himself it was just a small correction – not a real lie. But her question hit him deep.
He couldn’t sleep all night. Deep inside, he knew: he had cheated. And even worse – he had taken away the chance from another honest student to get that scholarship.
The next morning, he got up early, went to the principal, and confessed everything.
It was made official: he lost the perfect grade, lost the scholarship – and for now, university was no longer an option.
His parents were disappointed. His classmates didn’t understand. Some thought he was foolish for “turning himself in.”
But in his heart, Jonathan felt peace. For the first time in weeks, he could look in the mirror again.
A few months later, when no one expected it, he got a phone call from a pastor who had heard his story.
He said:
“We need people like you – who would rather lose than be dishonest. I have connections to a Christian university. I’d like to help you.”
Jonathan received a new scholarship – not for his grades this time, but for his character.
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What can we learn from this story?
This story shows:
Integrity may cost you something – but it gives you back something priceless: dignity, trust, and peace with God.
And sometimes – it leads you down a better path you never saw coming.
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Reflection – What does this mean for you?
– Are you someone others can count on?
– Do you tell the truth, even when it costs you?
– Do you stay silent, even when you know the truth – because you’re afraid to hurt someone?
Integrity isn’t a one-time act. It’s a decision we make every single day.
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Practical Impulses for Today
– Practice honesty in the small things. Even a “harmless” excuse or cheating on a test can shape your habits.
– Speak the truth in love. It’s not about hurting others with truth – but helping them.
– Remember: those who are faithful in small things, God can trust with greater ones.
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Prayer
Heavenly Father,
Thank you for being truth itself. Help me to live honestly – with others and with myself.
Give me courage to speak the truth, even when it’s hard.
Make me someone others can trust – someone who shines your light through honesty.
Protect my heart from any kind of deception or lie.
I want to be faithful to you – in word, action, and thought.
Amen.
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Takeaway for Today
“Truth isn’t always comfortable – but it’s always right.”
Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/21-07-2025-the-power-of-integrity-heart-anchor-youth-devotional/
