Text: Daniel 6:1-19
Memory text:
“The integrity of the upright will guide them, But the perversity of the unfaithful will destroy them.”
Proverbs 11:3 NJKV

Criticism and opposition come with pits along the way. One of such death traps is the tendency to lose one’s integrity or to compromise in order to please the critics. So many throw away their integrity and values out of peer pressure or in order to be accepted in a social group!
What is integrity? It is staying true to God, to yourself and to your values in the midst of pressure, when no one sees or when no one applauds your efforts. Like someone said, “Integrity is staying loyal to what you said you would do, long after the mood you said it in has left you.”
Daniel maintained his integrity in the midst of criticisms. “…but they could find no reason for an accusation or evidence of corruption, because he was faithful [a man of high moral character and personal integrity], and no negligence or corruption [of any kind] was found in him.” (Dan 6:4 AMP). Despite all their threats, Daniel didn’t stop doing what he believed and had been doing (Dan 6:10).
Stay true and maintain your integrity when they misunderstand you, criticize and oppose you. Don’t change your values or lower your standard to please your critics or to match their gossips. Give your enemies nothing to hold against you. You are called to shine your light brightly in the midst of the gross darkness of the world and not to dim your light because it exposes the shadows of some people (Isa 60:1-2).
Your consistency will confuse your enemies. Let your integrity speak louder than the noise of your critics and opposers. When they conjure all forms of lies against you, don’t argue with lies. Jesus didn’t, even with all the lies against Him by the Jewish leaders. Jesus’ silence during His trial, even when accused of serious charges, surprised Pilate (Matt 27:13-14). Rather, let your life be the truth they can’t deny. Even though your integrity doesn’t defend itself but it causes God to do the talking. If you wait in faith, God will surely speak for your defense. God often defends those who refuse to defend themselves with compromise.
Friends, God won’t show Himself strong until you stop defending yourself. He doesn’t need your help to clear your name from the false accusations. Fear not, and don’t be intimidated by anyone. Don’t struggle to belong. Keep walking in integrity. Keep your peace. Your reputation is safe in the hands of the One who sees everything. Hallelujah!

Prayer points
1. Father, give me the strength to maintain my integrity when I am being criticized and to stay silent when my flesh wants to fight, in Jesus’ name.
2. Father, show Yourself strong on my behalf and defend me in the midst of the false accusations against me in Jesus’ name.

Today’s declarations
1. I will not compromise who I am to prove a point to those who misunderstand me.
2. I maintain my standards, even when others try to pull me down and when truth is unpopular.