In these days of rampant individualism, seeking integrity without intense and intentional effort is an illusion destined for frustration.
Summary: Integrity, as I have taught my team, goes beyond honesty as a characteristic; it is shaped after wholeness (integrality) and integration. We see integrity as a behavioral, collective, cyclic, and dynamic process, where all parts of the body of Christ and all of its interactions come together in coherence and harmony. Just as in engineering, where structural integrity is the acquired capacity to withstand stress and perform its function without breaking, in the ministry context, integrity is the ability, developed through wholeness (integrality) and integration, to fulfill our mission with resistance (the ability to not be deformed) and resilience (the ability to not stay deformed), even in the face of challenges and pressures.
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Why has integrity become such an important term in the corporate world and even in ministry? It seems that the fragmentation of truth and individualism of these days have destroyed, among other things, ethics in morality and holiness in spirituality, creating a vacuum that causes people to cry out for integrity. However, the way the world discusses the topic strays far from the biblical text. When we see Paul addressing the theme in his letter to the Corinthians, a church that needed this lesson so much, we hear him say: “12Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ. 13For we were all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one body – whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free – and we were all given the one Spirit to drink.” 1 Corinthians 12:12,13 (NIV).
The three pericopes that follow expand and detail a dynamic, cyclical, behavioral, and collective process in which three distinct stages can be identified, for which we have different terms in the English language, even if not always consciously used: wholeness (integrality), integration, and integrity. The purpose of this essay is to examine the process of integrity according to the Scriptures, concluding with an introduction to the driving force that propels the church through each cycle. Finally, we will see at least one more of the many other teachings that present this same view on the subject for which the world longs, although it lacks the spiritual resources necessary to obtain it.
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Wholeness (Integrality), the first stage.
Have you ever experienced the frustration of assembling a 1,000-piece jigsaw puzzle only to reach the final pieces and realize one is missing? What mechanic could make a machine work perfectly if a component were missing? What frustration! But in a world that so highly values whole foods, there is little concern for the wholeness of the family or the church. Without realizing that this is the main reason for so many emotional ailments, people try to be everything in themselves, avoiding relying on or depending on others. The fact is that without wholeness or integrality, integrity will never happen. Let’s see how the apostle Paul explained this to the Corinthians.
“14Even so the body is not made up of one part but of many. 15Now if the foot should say, “Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body,” it would not for that reason stop being part of the body. 16And if the ear should say, “Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body,” it would not for that reason stop being part of the body. 17If the whole body were an eye, where would the sense of hearing be? If the whole body were an ear, where would the sense of smell be? 18But in fact God has placed the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be. 19If they were all one part, where would the body be? 20As it is, there are many parts, but one body.” 1 Corinthians 12:14-20 (NIV).
In the text we read, Paul used the metaphor of the body to illustrate the diversity and unity of the church. The structure of the text is clear and didactic, divided into a series of comparisons between body parts and believers. The apostle began by reaffirming that the body is not composed of a single part but of many, emphasizing the need for diversity in the body of Christ (v. 14). He proceeded to illustrate the folly of a body part, like the foot or ear, claiming that it does not belong to the body because it is not another part, like the hand or eye (vv. 15-16). These comparisons highlight that each part of the body has a unique and irreplaceable function, and the absence of any one compromises the functionality of the body as a whole. In verse 17, Paul rhetorically questioned the absurd possibility of the entire body being composed of a single organ, showing that diversity is essential to the integrity of the body. He concluded in verse 18 that God, in His sovereignty, placed each part in the body just as He wanted, and reaffirmed that the unity of the body is composed of many distinct parts (vv. 19,20).
The scope of this passage highlights the diversity within the Christian community, insisting that all members must be present and none can be disregarded. Paul combats the mentality of inferiority and envy that can arise when a member does not recognize its importance or covets another’s place. He also corrects the tendency toward individualism and isolation, reinforcing that the church is called to function as a unified organism, where each member, despite being different, is indispensable for the common good. The adjustment promoted here is the recognition of God’s sovereignty in the distribution of gifts and functions within the body and the value of each member according to the divine purpose. The instructions offered, therefore, include the call to accept and fulfill one’s own function and to honor diversity within the community, aiming for every part, no matter how small or less visible, to be present and functioning for the body to exist.
This text leads us to reflect on the presence of believers in the church. It compels us to apply today the idea that each believer, with their unique gifts and talents, is essential to the functionality and health of the body of Christ. We are compelled to confess that, often, we may despise the role God has given us or envy the gifts of others, falling into the illusion that not all are important or necessary. The text calls us to convert from a selfish and competitive mindset to an attitude of cooperation and mutual appreciation. In terms of continuity, this text inspires sanctification in the sense of cultivating a community where the diversity of gifts is celebrated and used to build up the church as a whole, recognizing God’s sovereignty in all things. The wholeness of the body of Christ manifests when each member is present and rejoices in the presence of all the others, reflecting the unity in diversity that Paul so eloquently described.
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Integration, the second stage.
Well-written recipes dedicate a first chapter to the list of ingredients that must be gathered – this is wholeness. Nothing can be missing, or the recipe won’t work. The next chapter, preparation method, consists of the various actions of mixing the ingredients. Words like blend, whisk, stir, sift, fold, knead, emulsify, cream, incorporate are constantly used in this phase of preparation. Likewise, to produce integrity, the integration of the members is necessary, and a primary function of leaders as Paul taught to the Ephesians. In the following text, Paul shows us the importance of integrating everyone and how this is achieved.
“21The eye cannot say to the hand, “I don’t need you!” And the head cannot say to the feet, “I don’t need you!” 22On the contrary, those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, 23and the parts that we think are less honorable we treat with special honor. And the parts that are unpresentable are treated with special modesty, 24while our presentable parts need no special treatment. But God has put the body together, giving greater honor to the parts that lacked it, 25so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. 26If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it.” 1 Corinthians 12:21-26 (NIV).
Paul continued to develop the metaphor of the body, now emphasizing the interdependence of the members and the need for mutual appreciation within the church. The structure of the text is built around the idea that no body part can declare the irrelevance of another. Paul begins by stating that the eye cannot say to the hand, “I don’t need you!” nor can the head say to the feet, “I don’t need you!” (v. 21). This highlights that, though different in function, all members are necessary. The apostle continued to explain that, contrary to what one might think, the body parts that seem weaker are actually indispensable (v. 22). He went on to say that the parts considered less honorable receive special treatment and that the parts that seem less presentable receive special attention (vv. 23-24). Finally, comes the solemn assertion that God has structured the body in this way, giving greater honor to the parts that lacked it, to prevent division and promote mutual care (v. 25). Beyond the practical connection, the care among the members, there is also the emotional connection, with unity manifested in the sharing of suffering and joy: “If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it” (v. 26).
This passage emphasizes the interdependence and mutuality that should characterize relationships within the body of Christ. Paul denounced the error of devaluing certain members or functions in the church, an attitude that could lead to divisions and resentments. He combated the tendency to consider some gifts or people as more important than others, promoting a vision of integration where all are equally necessary and worthy of honor. The correction promoted by Paul is the recognition that even the members who seem weaker or less honorable are indispensable for the health and functionality of the body. The instructions offered include the practice of equal care and honor for all members, regardless of their function or appearance, ensuring that the church remains united and cohesive. Paul calls us to value the participation of everyone, understanding that each member, no matter how seemingly insignificant, plays a vital role in building up the body of Christ.
This text leads us to a deep reflection on how we treat one another within the faith community. It compels us to apply today the principle that every believer, regardless of their function or position, deserves to be treated with honor and respect. We are compelled to confess that, often, we may neglect or devalue those who perform less visible or seemingly less important roles. The text calls us to convert from attitudes of superiority or disdain to a posture of humility and appreciation for all members of the body of Christ, promoting the integration of each one to the others. In terms of continuity, this text inspires liturgical practice where mutual care and solidarity are central. When one member suffers, we should all suffer with them; when one member is honored, we should all share in that joy. The integrity of the body appears when there is true integration when each member is valued, cared for, and loved as an indispensable part of the whole. The church or a ministry is called to reflect this integration, promoting a community where love and respect for one another are evident, and each member is perfectly connected to the others.
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Integrity, the final stage of the cycle.
Some attempts to combat the individualism of recent times have resulted in the idealization of a ‘Kumbaya’ communion, a term from Gullah Creole that was part of a devotional song and became an anthem for ‘peace and love’ activists in the 1960s. This hippie communion, with an end in itself, does not express the biblical teaching, especially Paul’s use of the body metaphor. The wholeness (integrality) and integration of believers must result in missional and productive functionality, producing fruit for God’s glory. This is what we call integrity. As for the aspects of honesty, transparency, faithfulness, and righteousness, they are all elements of the process, without which or contrary to which, the gathering, connection, and functioning of the community are lost. Let’s see how Paul taught about integrity.
“27Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it. 28And God has placed in the church first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healing, of helping, of guidance, and of different kinds of tongues. 29Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? 30Do all have gifts of healing? Do all speak in tongues? Do all interpret? 31Now eagerly desire the greater gifts. And yet I will show you the most excellent way.” 1 Corinthians 12:27-31 (NIV).
In concluding his argument about the body of Christ, Paul further emphasized the functioning of the church in the diversity of gifts and functions. In verse 27, he clearly stated that believers are the body of Christ, and each one, individually, is a member of that body. This reinforces the idea that, although we are many, we are united in the one identity in Christ. In verse 28, there is a list of gifts established by God in the church, starting with apostles, followed by prophets, teachers, those who perform miracles, those with gifts of healing, helping, guidance, and those who speak in various tongues. This list highlights the variety and importance of different functions in the church, all necessary for its functional integrity. In verses 29 and 30, Paul posed a series of rhetorical questions, making it clear that not all possess the same gifts, underlining again the diversity within unity. He closed the section in verse 31, encouraging believers to eagerly desire the greater gifts but introducing the idea that there is something even more excellent that would be discussed next (the way of love in 1 Corinthians 13).
The passage highlights the integrity of the body of Christ, which depends on both wholeness, the presence of everyone, and the full integration of its members. Paul denounced the error of assuming that all members must possess the same gifts or functions, combating the idea of uniformity as a substitute for unity. Instead, he promoted a vision where the diversity of gifts is fundamental to the integrity of the church, allowing it to function effectively under the challenges and pressures of fulfilling the mission. Paul taught that while each member has a specific function, the pursuit of spiritual gifts should be done with dedication and discernment. This draws attention to the fact that wholeness and integration are not ends in themselves but should lead to productive functionality while maintaining stability: this is integrity. It is not surprising then that there is something superior, to be introduced next, love, the preference, and choice of one member for the others. This perspective corrects any tendency toward individualism or competitiveness within the church, redirecting the focus to collaboration and the pursuit of what is most excellent for the edification of the body: integration for integrity, relationship for mission accomplishment.
The practical application of this text in the church’s liturgical life calls us to recognize and celebrate the diversity of gifts that God has distributed among believers. It leads us to reflect on the importance of each member in God’s work, without underestimating contributions that may seem minor in human eyes. This text compels us to confess attitudes of devaluing the gifts of others or our function within the body of Christ. In terms of conversion, we are called to abandon the spirit of competition and adopt an attitude of mutual service, seeking to build each other up. Finally, the text inspires continuity on the path of sanctification by diligently pursuing the gift with which we can function and serve the other members. The integrity of the church is manifested as the final stage of a cycle that begins with gathering all members and then connecting each one of them.
The driving force behind this cyclical three-stage process is love. This fruit, developed by the overflowing work of the Holy Spirit in each believer, consists of the ability to prefer and choose others. When love is present, no member is forgotten, ignored, or despised. When the members love one another, they establish solid and lasting connections. With everyone present and connected by love, the body of Christ can then function perfectly, even when facing difficult situations and tribulations to fulfill its mission. This integrity achieved in the process of gathering and connecting encompasses character, ethics, holiness, wholeness in commitment and dedication, and so many other aspects for which people long without being able to reach. Integrity only exists with integration, and integration is only perfect with integrality.
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Biblical integrity reflects the fullness of Christ.
The apostle Paul told the Philippians that repeating the same things to them was not tedious for him and was still a safeguard for his readers or listeners. It is not surprising, therefore, that throughout his letters, he repeated each of his teachings many times. Initially, I thought of writing a small biblical theology of integrity since this topic is urgent in these days of weakened fellowship and community destruction. Forgive me if I do not do so, but let us at least see the teaching on the subject to the Ephesians. Let’s see how each of the elements we saw in the text to the Corinthians is also present here.
“11So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, 12to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up 13until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. 14Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming. 15Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ. 16From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.” Ephesians 4:11-16 (NIV).
This passage in the Letter to the Ephesians is sublime in its call to the practice of integrity. In the context of the gifts that adjust believers for the work of ministry, Paul once again taught about integrality and integration as means to integrity. Indeed, the word translated as ‘equip’, means literally ‘adjust together’, so the parts fit and work properly. In verse 11, Paul listed different functions within the church: apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers. These leadership roles were given to adjust the saints together for the work of ministry, and to build up the body of Christ (v. 12). The goal is that all believers may reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God, maturing until they attain the fullness of Christ (v. 13). Paul then contrasted this spiritual maturity with immaturity, which is like being a child tossed back and forth by the waves and winds of deceitful teachers (v. 14). He exhorted the believers to speak the truth in love, the driving force of the integrity cycle, so that they may grow in Christ, who is the head of the body (v. 15). Finally, in verse 16, Paul described the church as a body that is well joined and held together, where each part plays its role, contributing to the growth of the body in love.
In the first verses, in Ephesians 4:11-13, Paul established integrality by mentioning the various gifts given by Christ to the church, such as apostles, prophets, and teachers, and his people; these represent all the parts of the body. He demonstrated integration by explaining that people given as gifts to the church are to adjust together the saints for the work of ministry, making everyone work in a common purpose. Integrity emerges as the final goal, which is to achieve spiritual maturity and the fullness of Christ. In the final verses, 14-16, Paul first emphasized integrity, warning against spiritual immaturity and highlighting the importance of growing in Christ. He reinforced integration by speaking about the body that is well joined and held together, where each part works in harmony. Finally, integrality became evident in the necessity for each part of the body to contribute to the growth of the whole, repeating and completing the cycle of integrity in Christ.
The purpose of this text is to highlight the process of growth and maturity that leads to the integrity of the body of Christ. Paul denounced spiritual immaturity, represented by instability and susceptibility to false doctrines. He opposed the idea that believers can grow in isolation, insisting that maturity and integrity are only achieved when the body functions in unity, with each part contributing according to its gift and calling. The vision promoted here is of a church or ministry where the diversity of gifts leads to mutual edification, and where collective growth occurs towards Christ, who is the head. The instructions offered include a commitment to truth, love, and cooperation, ensuring that the church, as a body, grows in harmony and fulfills its mission.
This text leads us to reflect on the role of each believer in building up the church and the collective responsibility to promote spiritual growth. It compels us to apply today the principle that the integrity of the body of Christ depends on each member fulfilling their role, using the gifts that Christ has given for the benefit of all. We are compelled to confess the tendency to underestimate or neglect our gifts or the gifts of others, which can hinder the growth and maturity of the church. Here the word of God calls us to convert from an individualistic mindset to a cooperative vision, where each part of the body is valued and encouraged to contribute. In terms of continuity, this text inspires a liturgical practice where teaching, preaching, service, and fellowship are centered on the edification of the body in love. In this way, the love that prefers and chooses other members is, as always, the driving force that leads from wholeness to integration and from integration to integrity. This dynamic and progressive cycle is completed when all members are united in purpose and action, growing together in Christ and accomplishing the work of ministry. Then, as there are always new members and tribulations that shake integrity, the cycle must be repeated.
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The texts we examined, in the First Letter to the Corinthians and in the Letter to the Ephesians, reflect the same idea about biblical integrity, expanding our vision of how the church should function in times of individualism and fragmentation. These passages repeat the idea that integrity is not just a characteristic that somebody has or not, a state to be maintained, but a continuous process of growth and maturity, in which each member of the body of Christ plays a crucial role. All believers, linked to one another, functioning together despite pressures, form a cycle driven by the preference and choice of one for another. Functional integrity, therefore, is both the final goal and the process of becoming like Christ, the head of the church, through mutual edification in love. While the world longs for an integrity it cannot attain, we seek the integrity that Jesus provided for us through His Spirit: “Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” Ephesians 4:3 (NIV).
