Your character under pressure reveals whose mission you're really on.

The client was furious. The project was behind schedule, the budget was blown, and he wanted someone to blame. James's boss pulled him aside: "Tell him the delays were vendor issues. Don't mention our mistakes."

James knew the truth. Their team had missed deadlines. They'd made poor decisions. The vendor problems were real but minor. Blaming them would be easier—and dishonest.

"I can't do that," James said quietly.

His boss's face hardened. "This client represents 30% of our revenue. You want to risk that over technical details?"

James felt the pressure crushing him. His job could be on the line. His team's jobs. But Proverbs 11:3 came to mind: "The integrity of the upright guides them." In that moment, James had to choose whose mission he was really on—his company's or God's.

He told the client the truth. Owned the mistakes. Outlined the recovery plan. The call was brutal. But afterward, the client said something unexpected: "I'm frustrated, but I respect your honesty. Let's figure this out together."

The project recovered. James kept his job. But more importantly, his team saw what integrity looks like when it costs you something. One junior employee told him later: "I've never seen someone do that. It made me want to work differently."

Integrity isn't tested when it's convenient. It's tested when telling the truth might cost you everything.

When you face a moment this week where taking the easy path means compromising truth, pause and ask: "Whose mission am I on right now—mine or God's?" Choose integrity, even if it costs you something.

Father, give me courage to choose integrity when the pressure mounts. Help me remember I'm on Your mission, not mine. Let my character under fire point others to You.

In Jesus' name, Amen.