8 But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s delicacies, nor with the wine which he drank; therefore he requested of the chief of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself.

Daniel 1:8

When we were to incorporate the church, even though we had met all the requirements, the official in charge wanted a bribe. When we refused, he said other pastors had “bribed” him, but we stood firm. Eventually, by the favour of God, that same official wrote a glowing recommendation for us. He sent it to Abuja – the nation’s capital, and the incorporation was done. On the day he handed us our certificate, we gave him a tip in appreciation of his effort. He wasn’t expecting it at all! As we were leaving I turned back and gave him more money and he said, “Thank you, you are Christians indeed.”

There is compromise in the church because Christians have refused to be steadfast and show integrity. Daniel purposed in his heart. If you purpose in your heart, nothing will cause you to do otherwise. Steadfastness can also be defined as integrity of heart.

It is quite exasperating to hear of fiancées and fiancés who fell into fornication saying, “We didn’t mean to do it; it just happened.” Premarital sex does not just happen, if you purpose in your heart never to do it. Be like Daniel; be steadfast in your heart.

Some Christians try to outsmart God by giving bribes. They know it is a bribe, but they call it “PR” (public relations) and they say to the person receiving it, “I am a Christian; I don’t give bribes. This is just PR.” They do that in order to pacify their conscience so that they can say, “I did tell the man I’m a Christian.” Friend, if you purpose in your heart and you act right, someone, some- where, will begin to question why every other person gives bribes and you don’t. “PR” is so popular that Christian sisters use their bodies for it. We need steadfast Christians with integrity. We need pastors who will not embezzle church funds or sleep with girls in the church. We need a revolution of integrity in the Body of Christ. When you are steadfast, people will ask in amazement, “Is it not the same Bible that I read that he reads?” They will come and inquire of you, and you will show them the way of the Lord, which is the way of integrity.

Confession:
I am steadfast in my heart to do things God’s way. My steadfastness and integrity attract the favour of God.