Firstly remember that if you are a believer and follower of Jesus then according to scripture you belong to that group who are labelled ‘saints’ – the Greek word means ‘set apart for a holy use.’ This verse forms a contrast with those who receive the mark of the beast (vs’s 9-11) and those who don’t. This is the group that receives the Seal of the Living God. (c.f. 12:17)

The Greek word for patience here used is; “integrity in the midst of personal pain.” It is one thing to maintain integrity when things are going well. It’s another thing to do so in the context of personal pain or opposition. Integrity is about being who you really are, even when no one’s looking or when the consequences are severe. Integrity is the opposite of image. Integrity is about being consistent and being real no matter the outward circumstances.

Integrity is often lost in the little things. A man says, “I love my wife,” and then flirts with the girls at work. A woman acts like a saint at church but flies into a rage at the kids when she gets home. A husband’s primary goal should not be respected on the job or with his friends, but respect from those who know him best. It takes a lot of integrity for a man to retain his family’s respect year after year.

Like God’s people of Rev 14:12, integrity happens when we keep ourselves constantly aware of God’s kingdom and His presence. “Who will know if I do this?” Joseph in Egypt knew the answer to that. God will know! But when we lose that sense of God’s presence, little impurities come into our lives and integrity is compromised. And without integrity disaster is just around the corner.

The sinking of the titanic in 1912 was eventually traced to the quality of the steel plating and rivets in the hull. The steel when analysed contained high levels of impurities, compromising and making the hull weaker than it should have been.

When God’s people pass through the icebergs of the End-time, they will have an integrity that is not shaken by opposition or even personal pain.