This is the eleventh in a series of what traits to look for in a life mate.  While the following sets a high standard, one that perhaps few will initially reach, each area identified is an important character trait to look for and inquire about as you consider a lifelong marriage partner.

11. Is this person walking in high moral character, purity and integrity?  Does this person exhibit any questionable behavior or tendencies toward lying, exaggerating or story telling?  Are there any unexplained or irrational behaviors that he/she or you excuse?  Is his/her character ever called into question?  Is this person forthright, open and honest with you even if it makes him/her look bad?  What does integrity mean to this person?  Does it mean more than looking good in the sight of others?  Does he/she hold a biblical view of purity and holiness and is their definition of purity holiness the same as yours?   (Galatians 1:10; Proverbs 10:9, 11:3) 

Job had multiple problems in life, but perhaps none worse than his wife confronting him after severe loss with the question, “Are you still holding on to your integrity?”  Then, she gave him some awful advice, “Curse God and die!”  (Job 3: 9)  Nothing like support from the most important person on earth.  Character precedes anointing.  Integrity starts on the inside and works its way from the spirit of a man to the soul and then to the flesh.  Someone said that integrity is who you are when no one is looking.  If you know this person has issues with integrity and holiness now, marriage will not solve the problem, however; I do guarantee that it will increase the intensity of the problem.  You see, marriage has this strange ability to bring either the best or the worst out in us as the relationship matures to “iron sharpening iron.”  Immorality does not happen overnight, it happens with small compromises followed by small compromises.  We cannot afford thinking thoughts that are not God honoring thoughts because those thoughts are seeds to dishonoring actions.  High moral character, purity, holiness and integrity are attributes of our Lord and we must be in the process of becoming like Jesus, by the power of His Spirit living in us.  To be continued…