Schutt approaches the definition of integrity from an interesting angle. He gives the reader a deeper understanding of the concept by highlighting its origin from the word “integer,” meaning a whole number. Integrity, therefore, refers to wholesomeness. It is when one’s thoughts, beliefs, and actions are aligned. Indeed, an integrated person unites their spiritual life with the world, demonstrating an alignment of their thought and beliefs (Schutt, 2007). A closer look at Job’s life is essential in helping Christians understand what it means to have integrity. His faith in God remained steadfast despite the many trials and tribulations he faced. In the book of Job 1:21, Job recognizes God as the giver and taker of all things in life. This realization grounds him, enabling the man to remain unchanging in his commitment to trusting and serving God.
How does one live a life of integrity while in church, at home, or in the workplace?
The key to living an integrated life while in church, at home, and in the workplace is to think of the subject in its basic form of relating to Christian living. Christians should not divide their lives into separate facets. Instead, they should see how these different aspects of their lives are interconnected. After all, are they not done by the same person? This perception will ensure that actions of the Christians are consistent, whether at home, at work, or serving in the church. Actions are inspired by beliefs that are rooted in our thoughts. Therefore, to have integrity, one must consistently nurture their thoughts by reading and meditating on Scripture and fellowship with other Christians.
How does Schutt define integrity in the “Redeeming Law” excerpt? What are the three basic commitments necessary to live with integrity?
Schutt (2007) defines integrity as the integration of our spiritual life with life in the world, the unity of our words with our deeds, and the consistency between our thoughts and beliefs (p.92). He discusses three basic commitments necessary to live life with integrity:
- 1) Assent and aspiration to the unity of thought, beliefs, and actions under the lordship of Christ. Acceptance requires a unified approach to reality in which Christians fully understand themselves and the world through God’s lens.
- 2) Continual pursuit of life in and through community. A life of integrity requires constant communing with God and fellowship with other Christians. Pursuing life through community helps us stay rooted in God’s word, hold each other accountable through familial love, and share our spiritual gifts.
- 3) Truth, which is the commitment to God’s revelation of himself. Life of integrity demands that we are committed to the truth, which comes from the one true God. Schutt (2007) advises Christians to find this truth through reading the Holy Scriptures and being cognizant of the experiences and expressions flowing from God’s revelation.
Reference
Schutt, M. (2007). Redeeming law: Christian calling and the legal profession. InterVarsity Press.
FAQ
According to Schutt, where does the word of integrity come from, and what is the definition that explains it?
The term “integrity” derives from the word “integer” which is the Latin term for the whole number. This is the reason because the begining relates to the concept of integrity which means that aligning your thinking, beliefing, and acting all together and in order creates one united person.
How can one be integrated with all these aspects while maintaining integrity? Do they hold similar ideas when it comes to integrity or some are different?
To be in integrity traversing between our different life spheres it is necessary to understand how the connectivity of our actions define us within all environments. Doing the right thing all the time is a result of faith, which Christianity fosters. This involves bringing thoughts under control by meditating, scripture reading and sharing fellowship with fellow believers, ensuring they carry out their daily activities according to faith, be it at home, at the place of work or in the church.
According to Schutt, what does the concept of integrity entail when it comes to Christian ethics?
Firstly, Shutt explains that integrity involves bringing together the spiritual realm and the real world in a way that ensures internal harmony and unity between words and deeds as well as thoughts and beliefs. This definition brings to attention the relevance of cohesing all dimensions of one’s life with Christian principles and acting according to those principles for every decision and action.
In light of the Book of Job, how does the parable of Job's integrity consumers the theory?
The job has its fidelity trait by constantly leading his faithful obedience to God to be able to endure a great number of hardships and distress. In spite of severe losses Job, however, sees God as the absolute authority in taking and giving-life and he continues to cling to his God-placed trust and obedience to God. This underlines the true meaning of the virtue of truthfulness that we keep our words in adverse situations, even when all goes bad.
