The Inescapable Ought
Part of True Grit
February 19, 2023

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There is an “Inescapable Ought” that we all appeal to when we talk about integrity. And the Bible has plenty to say about integrity.

How would you define integrity?

“Integrity is doing the right thing even when no one is watching.” —C.S. Lewis

Have you ever done the right thing because it was the right thing and paid a price as a result? Was it worth it?

Read each of these references and consider what integrity means in each.

The Lord saw this and drew back, provoked to anger by his own sons and daughters. 20 He said, ‘I will abandon them; then see what becomes of them. For they are a twisted generation, children without integrity. —Deuteronomy 32:19-20 (NLT)

As for you, if you will follow me with integrity and godliness, as David your father did, obeying all my commands, decrees, and regulations, 5 then I will establish the throne of your dynasty over Israel forever. —1 Kings 9:4-5 (NLT)

I know, my God, that you examine our hearts and rejoice when you find integrity there. —1 Chronicles 29:17 (NLT)

Declare me innocent, O Lord, for I have acted with integrity; I have trusted in the Lord without wavering. —Psalm 26:1 (NLT)

People with integrity walk safely, but those who follow crooked paths will be exposed. —Proverbs 10:9 (NLT)

And you yourself must be an example to them by doing good works of every kind. Let everything you do reflect the integrity. —Titus 2:7 (NLT)

Integrity is such a big deal that we will even expect other people to act with integrity even if we don’t.
Why do you think this is the case?

Integrity assumes an “ought to” we readily appeal to that we assume everybody around us is accountable to.

Have you suffered personally because of someone else’s lack of integrity?

There is an “ought to” that stands outside of you and over you that did not originate with you.

Why is this important to understand?

Then God said, “Let us make human beings in our image, to be like us.” —Genesis 1:26 (NLT)

What is this passage say is in all of us?
What does that mean?

Even Gentiles, who do not have God’s written law, show that they know his law when they instinctively obey it, even without having heard it. 15 They demonstrate that God’s law is written in their hearts, for their own conscience and thoughts either accuse them or tell them they are doing right. —Romans 2:14-15 (NLT)

What is this passage saying?