The Power of Integrity: Building a Life Without Compromise

by John F. MacArthur Jr.

We live in a society that has largely abandoned moral standards and Christian principles. Unkept campaign promises, false advertising, exaggerated tax exemptions, employee theft―compromise has become a way of life. Such moral concession has even invaded the church. Faced with an opportunity to proclaim Christ to unbelievers, we feel intimidated and keep silent. Or we water down God's Word on ethical issues at work or in our community to avoid rejection. Too often we prefer hypocrisy to integrity. But God longs for His people to be different―to maintain a commitment to His standards, no matter what the cost. Is consistent obedience to God―integrity―attainable in this world of sin and self? By the grace and power of God, yes! One of the nation's most respected pastors points the way to persevering character in Christ. Drawing from scriptural examples of godly men who modeled integrity during severe testing, MacArthur makes a compelling case for the impact a man or woman of integrity can have in our world. A helpful study guide for individuals or groups is included.

Genres: Christian, Christian Living, Christianity, Nonfiction, Theology, Audiobook, Faith

192 pages, Paperback

First published April 30, 1997

About the author

John F. MacArthur, Jr. was a United States Calvinistic evangelical writer and minister, noted for his radio program entitled Grace to You and as the editor of the Gold Medallion Book Award-winning MacArthur Study Bible. MacArthur was a fifth-generation pastor, a popular author and conference speaker, and served as pastor-teacher of Grace Community Church in Sun Valley, California beginning in 1969, as well as President of The Master’s College (and the related Master’s Seminary) in Santa Clarita, California.

Reviews

[Caleb CW · Rating 3 out of 5]

Temp review:

I'm not sure how to rate this one. So, 3 stars is a placeholder.

There are a lot of lessons here. Most of them relate to Daniel and holding strong to your faith in the face of adversity. I'm really gonna need to listen to it again sometime, and then I can offer a more coherent thought to it. I, of course, will recommend it because anything meant to bolster your faith is good in my eyes.

There it is and there you have it.

[Amy Esslinger · Rating 4 out of 5]

“The power of integrity is simple really: obey God and watch Him use you to transform lives around you.”

Great, Biblically rich book about the importance and value of integrity! MacArthur draws application from Scripture as he looks at examples of godly men, such as Daniel, and their faithful, uncompromising life. I think this would be an ideal book for a book study as it is simple to read and has study questions for each chapter.

[Danny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed and was convicted by this book. Some of my favorite quotes:
"The true test of your character is your response to the severest times of suffering and persecution."
"Just as families today are dominated by their children, ... the church's immature believers are among its most influential"
"The pastor's purpose is not to make Scripture relevant to his people but to enable them to understand doctrine"

[Kendra Christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oooof, the ending of this book was SO good, I didn’t want it to end! Definitely a timeless message, it convicted me a lot and gave me so much hope at the same time!

[Andy Febrico Bintoro · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author argue that those who maintain a life of integrity will be blessed by God. The power of integrity is obey God and watch Him use you to transform lives around you.

[T. R. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Insightful and convicting.

[Pedro Julio Hernández · Rating 5 out of 5]

A través de este libro el Pastor MacArthur guía al lector a poner en práctica la santidad y la integridad en su vida, delante de Dios y de las personas que lo rodean!

[Donna G · Rating 5 out of 5]

Again, MacArthur is right on the money!

[Josiah Richardson · Rating 3 out of 5]

I remember when I was a child, my mother telling me that I needed to be a man of integrity. And although I probably couldn't have told you what that word meant back then, I knew it meant in a lot of ways to be like my father. As MacArthur speaks to here, Integrity typically goes unnoticed until it is no longer present. Once it is absent, we can all name panoply of people in our lives who had little to no integrity. One of the benefits of having integrity is that you can be meticulously consistent because it bleeds into every part of who you are.

In MacArthur's short work here, he delineates the benefits of having integrity and the weary life of someone who has none. This isn't a very deep work, but it is practical.

[Adrian · Rating 4 out of 5]

A bit difficult to keep engaged in at some points, but definitely worth the read. Typical John MacArthur style which includes the theology, examples, and applications of integrity. Very good read. Highly recommended.

[Howard · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really good book to go through with friends or your Bible study group. Wonderfully written and very applicable to everyday life. There are some big pillars that remind us what we need to as Christians in this world.

If you are discpipling, this is a great book to go through.

[Alex Flores · Rating 5 out of 5]

I often find myself overcomplicating the formula for integrity. However- MacArthur does a great job of keeping it wonderfully simple. He begins by stating that the foundation for integrity must begin with sound doctrine. Doctrine that is not up for compromise in any way.

Using Daniel for an example was also quite impactful. The worst thing that they could find about him was that he prayed... Now that is a man of integrity.

John MacArthur does not give you anything mind boggling or any shocking new truth... but rather blends simple, but effective biblical truths together to create the formula for an uncompromising Christian life of integrity.
Would recommend to anyone.

[Brenda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Practical and simple but not simplistic.

[Justin Blackwood · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent study on integrity!

[Franz · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not really my type of book, but I’m generous.
So I’ll give 3⭐️

All the glory to Jesus🙏

[Anita Navarro · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully written and very convicting. Excellent read.

[Luis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Una integridad sin concesiones.
SDG.

[Matthew Rawlings · Rating 4 out of 5]

Biblically solid as always.

[Wallace · Rating 5 out of 5]

I waited 9 years from I bought this book until I read it, and I now wish I hadn't! This is one of the best books John MacArthur has written - succinct, focussed, relevant and challenging.

I a world where integrity in almost every sphere of life, and especially in the church!, has been replaced with situational ethics and compromise, it was refreshing to read the Biblical mandate for 'building a life without compromise.'

There are many passages that would be worthy of quoting in a review, but I feel that Dr. MacArthur's closing words encapsulate the essence of his thesis ...

"As the apostle Paul says in Romans 12:21, the key in all such situations is to 'overcome evil with good.'

"That's a fitting conclusion to our look at the power of integrity because it summarizes the the outlook we must maintain at all times. We live in an evil world, and the only true good in it is what God brings into it. And He accomplishes that primarily through our faithful obedience to Him.

"The power of integrity is simple really: obey God and watch Him use you to transform lives around you. The opposite of obedience is compromise, and no one will be particularly impressed with that because it is so characteristic of people today. You need to stand out and be counted among those who name Jesus Christ as their Lord and Saviour. When you do, you will fulfill the verses we highlighted at the beginning of this book: 'O LORD, who may abide in thy tent? Who may dwell on Thy holy hill? He who walks with integrity, and works righteousness, and speaks truth in his heart' (Ps. 15:1-2)."

This is a 5-star read and is worthy of being read annually by every right-minded Christian.

[Ashley Bogner · Rating 4 out of 5]

John MacArthur's The Power of Integrity encourages Christians to never compromise their morals and values. Our society tells us right and wrong are relative and that following the guidelines in the Bible makes one "old-fashioned". But these views are far from the truth.

The Power of Integrity explains that Christians are not to follow the ways of the world. On the contrary; we are called to be "set apart". Mr. MacArthur uses Paul and Daniel as examples of what integrity looks like. Daniel stuck to his convictions, even when no one else did. Paul preached the Gospel even in the face of persecution.

I appreciated how The Power of Integrity countered the view that once we are saved, we are "free to do whatever". Just because we have been saved from sin, we shouldn't continue to live in it. The Bible says that once we are saved, we have a heart change and a desire to be righteous. Mr. MacArthur also touched on how we are to be "wise unto that which is good, and simple concerning evil" (Romans 16:19).

All in all, I thought The Power of Integrity offered Biblical--and logical--reasons as to why Christians should stand firm in their morals, values, and convictions. I jotted down quite a few Scripture references that I want to memorize. I would definitely recommend this book.

[Laramie Gildon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It's a quick read. It's easy to read and very convicting. I can't say I always agree with MacArthur but you cannot deny his devotion to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I really like the quote the book ends with.
"The power of integrity is simple really: obey God and watch Him use you to transform lives around you. The opposite of obedience is compromise, and no one will be particularly impressed with that because it is so characteristic of people today."

[Ken · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great thoughts, but I struggled with the readability. It reads like a very long sermon which caused me to lose interest after just a few minutes of reading at a time. Good info though, and a strong push to do what is right.

[Joe Molinari · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is simply a solid Biblical look at integrity. Definitely worth reading and keeping on the shelf to return to on occasion.

[Eunice · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a refresher to live by Biblical principles.I'd recommend this book to any Christian!

[Jt]

okay

[AlegnaB † · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.0