Overview:
What would you say is one essential ingredient that is completely necessary for living a godly life, yet is all but completely ignored in our day? You probably guessed it . . . INTEGRITY. Living with a heart of uncompromising integrity is crucial—especially during times of adversity, which is when we’re most vulnerable. In this first sermon to kick-off a new series, Pastor Chuck Swindoll examines the inspiring integrity of Daniel, in Daniel 6:1–10, when he devoted himself to God even while knowing it could cost him his life.
Message Summary:
In this message, Charles Swindoll identifies integrity as the “one essential ingredient” for a truly godly life. He begins by establishing the authority of the Bible, explaining that while Revelation and Inspiration are completed historical facts, the Holy Spirit continues the work of Illumination—making ancient truths come alive for modern believers. Integrity is defined not as perfection, but as “wholeness” and “completeness” (from the Latin integritas). A person of integrity is “integer”—untouched, intact, and undivided—meaning their private life matches their public profession.
Using Daniel 6 as a case study, Swindoll illustrates how integrity functions under pressure. When King Darius promotes Daniel due to his “extraordinary spirit,” Daniel’s jealous peers launch a “60 Minutes-style” investigation into his life. They find no dirt, no scandals, and no skeletons because Daniel was “faithful, responsible, and completely trustworthy.” The sermon concludes with a powerful illustration of a son searching his late father’s desk and finding nothing but evidence of a life well-lived, challenging the audience to “clean up the record” and live before an “audience of one” through the power and righteousness of Jesus Christ.
Message Key Facts:
- The Three Doctrines of Scripture: 1. Revelation: God making His truth known. 2. Inspiration: The recording of that truth (God-breathed). 3. Illumination: The Holy Spirit giving us understanding of that truth today.
- Definition of Integrity: Derived from integer, meaning a whole number or something untouched. It implies a life that is not divided by hypocrisy or duplicity.
- The “Daniel Investigation”: Daniel was one of three administrators overseeing 120 satraps. His peers were “eaten up with jealousy” and searched his files, computers (metaphorically), and expense accounts, but found nothing to condemn.
- The Audience of One: Integrity means living for God’s approval alone. Swindoll quotes Winston Churchill to illustrate that we shouldn’t be stung by the criticism of those we do not respect if we are walking rightly before God.
- The “Desk” Illustration: Swindoll shares the story of Bob Gipa, who found no shameful secrets when clearing out his father’s personal effects, illustrating the peace a legacy of integrity leaves behind.
- Righteousness vs. Natural Ability: Integrity is not something we achieve in our own strength; it requires the “transferred righteousness” of Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit to walk in a way that is not “natural or normal” for us.
Message References:
- Daniel 6:1–10: The primary narrative of Daniel’s promotion, the conspiracy against him, and his unwavering commitment to prayer.
- 2 Timothy 3:16–17: Referenced regarding the “God-breathed” nature of all Scripture (reproof, correction, instruction).
- Psalm 78:70–72: Describing how David led Israel according to the “integrity of his heart” and the “skillfulness of his hands.”
- Proverbs 10:9: “He who walks in integrity walks securely.”
- Proverbs 11:3: “The integrity of the upright will guide them.”
- Proverbs 20:6–7: “A righteous man who walks in his integrity—how blessed are his children after him.”
