A Man of Integrity in the Bible
Daniel
Daniel is an example of a man of integrity in the Bible because he lived his faith uncompromisingly, even when the cost was his life. His uncompromising lifestyle stood in stark contrast to many other Christians, who often waver when it comes to their adherence to the teachings of God. However, Daniel’s example of integrity should inspire all of us to live our lives according to the gospel truths.
Daniel’s example in the Bible demonstrates the importance of total dependence on the Lord. He sets an example for Christian leaders by remaining faithful to God even when things were tough. His faithfulness was not without cost, when Darius the Mede took over the Babylonian kingdom. The leaders of the new king urged the people to worship other gods, and Daniel’s steadfastness was exposed. When the leaders threatened to throw Daniel into a lions’ den, Daniel refused to worship the king, instead turning his back on the king and relying solely on God. Daniel was convicted for his actions, but God rewarded his integrity.
Joseph
Joseph was a man of integrity in the Bible, and he had many traits that others could emulate. His faith in God led him to be a great overseer for the household of his master, Potiphar. Even after being sold into slavery by his brothers, he did not commit any illegal acts or abuse his position. In fact, he even forgave his brothers for selling him into slavery because he knew it was part of God’s plan.
As a slave in Egypt, Joseph had already been through a dysfunctional family and unjust hatred from his brothers. He endured the humiliation of slavery, the bite of slander, and the horror of being torn from his family. Now he faces a non-stop journey to death in a foreign dungeon. Joseph’s days must have felt like an endless, dull grind.
Jesus
According to the Bible, Jesus was a man of integrity, and even his enemies recognized this trait in him. He had enemies who tried to degrade his integrity by claiming that he had no concern for people’s opinions and did not pay attention to them. The Pharisees, along with some Herodians, sent their disciples to Jesus to confront him about his integrity. Despite their efforts, Jesus did not give in to their demands.
One of the most notable ways that Jesus showed his integrity was by going into the wilderness, where he was tempted by the devil. During those 40 days, Jesus maintained his integrity by staying strong and quoting the Old Testament. He remained firm, as he had been instructed by the Father. By showing his integrity while under temptation, Jesus showed that he was the Son of God and had no intention of sinning against him. Discuss with your children how Jesus showed his integrity and his character when he was under temptation.
Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego
Shadrach, Meshach, and Adbednego are three men in the Bible who were taken captive by King Nebuchadnezzar. During their captivity, these men were educated and assigned jobs, but they did not compromise their integrity. Even when they were threatened by fire, they kept their faith. This is a great example for believers today.
Nebuchadnezzar, the king of Babylon, had the people and priests of Jerusalem to serve him. Nebuchadnezzar was angry and ordered the people to bow down before an idol, and the three men refused to. Nebuchadnezzar punished them for refusing to bow down to the idol. Daniel also prayed to God three times daily, which was contrary to the decree that forbid people to pray to gods.
Joseph Smith
There are many claims regarding Joseph Smith’s integrity, which have not been proven. While Joseph is known as a prophet of God, he also practiced polygamy. In fact, he did so from the early 1830s. His personal secretary, William Clayton, recorded many of Joseph’s revelations, including the revelation about polygamy. The revelation was made after Joseph’s wife suspected that he had affairs with other women.
Joseph Smith used the Bible. He felt that the Bible alone was insufficient to lead him in a right direction, and he produced more scripture to do so. His scripture challenged yet reinforced the authority of the Bible. It shared the content of the Bible, corrected biblical errors, and filled gaps in the text. Moreover, it also restored the prophetic process itself.
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