Book Review: The Power of Integrity by John MacArthur

November 29, 2007 Posted by Roger Overton

Compromise is often labeled “the language of the devil.” In
practice, we usually picture something as dramatic as an adulteress
relationship as the epitome of compromise. But most compromises are less
obvious and just as dangerous. How many of the decisions we make on a daily
basis involve even a hint of pride or selfishness? If we were to make every
decision with intent on reflecting Christ’s holiness, how different would our
lives be from what they are now? The call from the scriptures is to become like
Christ, and integrity in every aspect of our lives is an important aspect of
that.

John
MacArthur’s The Power of Integrity
provides an exploration of integrity and what it looks like for the people of God
to embody it. The first three chapters of the book deal with the definition and
foundations of integrity. MacArthur argues that integrity of character is
dependent upon union with Christ and integrity of doctrine, and that our
“resources in this process are always God’s Word and prayer. Through them you
gain the mind of Christ (Col. 3:16).” (p21)

The second
part of the book (chapters 4-6) look to various examples of integrity
demonstrated in the Bible and in the lives of Christians. MacArthur explores the
actions of Daniel and his friends while captive in Babylon, missionary Hudson Taylor, preacher
Charles Spurgeon, and the Apostle Paul. All of these provide a clearer picture
of how God’s people can practically live out the integrity they are called to.

In the
final chapters, MacArthur lays out the practice of integrity in the life of the
believer. Instead of being passive or pietistic, we are to work with “fear and
trembling” while utterly depending on God’s work in our lives. We are to seek
personal holiness through the various relationships in our lives and
that leads to practical holiness that’s displayed in love toward our Christian
brethren as well as our enemies. At the end of the book is a helpful study
guide for personal or group study and application.

In general,
there’s nothing new or original about this book. And there shouldn’t be. The
call to live a life of holiness as Christ is holy is ancient and yet we still
fail at it. MacArthur merely takes these teachings and focuses our attention on
them in a manner that is biblical and effectively practical. Among the many
reasons for us to pursue integrity, one is that we live before a watching
world. John MacArthur challenges us to look different from the world by living
lives devoted to God without compromise. As the church continues to blend in
with the watching world, books such as The
Power of Integrity are necessary reminders of our responsibility to be work
out our sanctification in this life.