Integrity Under Pressure: Standing Strong When It’s Hard

by Ron Kelleher  - May 12, 2025

Scripture of the Week:

“The integrity of the upright guides them, but the unfaithful are destroyed by their duplicity.”
Proverbs 11:3 (NIV)

Devotional:

We all face moments at work when doing the right thing feels costly.

You’re under pressure from a demanding boss.
You’re watching others take shortcuts and get ahead.
You’re tempted to stay silent when speaking up might hurt your position.

Integrity under pressure is one of the greatest tests of our faith — and one of the clearest ways we reflect Christ in the workplace.

The world often rewards results over righteousness. But as believers, we’re not called to win at any cost. We’re called to stand firm, even when uncomfortable, unpopular, or inconvenient.

Proverbs 11:3 reminds us that “the integrity of the upright guides them.” When the pressure is on and the stakes are high, it’s integrity that keeps us from veering off course.

What Does Integrity Under Pressure Look Like?

Choosing honesty even when deception is easier.
When a report could be “fudged” to look better, when a mistake could be hidden, when blame could be shifted — integrity chooses the truth, no matter the cost.

Staying faithful when no one is watching.
True integrity isn’t just about what others see. It’s about living in a way that honors God, even when there’s no audience.

Standing up for what’s right, even if you’re standing alone.
Whether it’s confronting unethical behavior or refusing to join in gossip, integrity means you represent Christ first — not company culture.

Trusting God with the outcome.
Integrity under pressure requires faith. Faith that even if doing the right thing delays your success, God will honor your obedience in His perfect time.

A Story to Carry with You:

A Christian executive I know was asked to approve a marketing campaign that twisted the truth just enough to be legally “acceptable.” Everyone else had signed off, and her boss expected her to do the same. But in her heart, she knew it lacked integrity. With unwavering courage, she respectfully declined to approve the campaign — and was removed from the project.

It stung. But a year later, the campaign faced public backlash. Her decision? It protected her reputation, her witness, and her peace. And her quiet courage opened the door to deeper conversations about faith with her peers.

Integrity under pressure doesn’t always yield immediate rewards, but it always honors God and brings long-term benefits.

This Week’s Challenge:

Before a tough decision, pause and ask:

“Lord, help me honor You today. Give me the strength to stand with integrity, even when it costs me something.”

This prayer is a powerful reminder that you are not alone in your ethical decisions. God is with you, guiding and supporting you.

So, stand firm. You never stand alone.

Reflection Verse for the Week:

“Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but whoever takes crooked paths will be found out.”
Proverbs 10:9 (NIV)

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