Chronicles

Integrity



Integrity as defined by the dictionary is:  firm adherence to a code of especially moral or artistic values. To simple that down a little, for folks like me: being honest and fair, true to your cause. On Wednesday night, after returning from visitation I was perusing my bible’s dictionary and came across this word and it stuck out like a sore thumb. Especially that last part “true to your cause”. I began to look up the verses that contained the word and saw that a few of them come out of the book of Job. I also thought to myself, “Do I resemble integrity?” I began to read, in the book of Job, and was taken back by how God told the devil repeatedly that Job was a man of integrity, fearing God;

 

Then the LORD asked Satan, "Have you noticed my servant Job? He is the finest man in all the earth--a man of complete integrity. He fears God and will have nothing to do with evil."

 

Then I began to think again, “Does God think that I am a man of integrity?” I then hurt my own feelings by saying, “Not a lot of the time.” It was hard, but it was the truth. Now, by all means, I do not want to go through what Job went through. But, I would like to become more of a man of integrity. I will admit, I am not always true to my beliefs. I am a sinner, it just goes with being human. But, I would like to answer questions like, “If someone held a gun to your head and asked if you were a Christian, if you answer yes, you would die.” Or, “If you are a Christian at work, and someone found out, and you might lose your job if you admit to it, would you say ‘Yes’ or ‘No’?” What would my answer to be to questions like this? I hear these questions and would give the church answer right away, “Sure, I would admit to it.” But when I started thinking real hard to myself about my kids, wife, family and friends I slowly started thinking otherwise. Now, I have never been in that situation, but folks, death is final. No do-overs, no “Can I take back my answer?”  , or, “I meant to say ‘No’.” I am not quite sure where all of this leads me, but it was something that really grabbed a hold of my heart and made me think if my life is becoming a life of integrity. Now, I am not saying that in order to live a life of integrity, you have to die or lose your job over your faith. What I am saying is that we need to walk the walk and talk the talk. I don’t always do that and I am convicted of it, even ashamed. I have work to do. I would like the word “Integrity” to be on my head stone after I die. I would be blessed if, at the judgment seat, God would call me a man of integrity.

 

Thank you Lord for giving me a word to challenge, exhort and to encourage. Forgive me if I have offended anyone. That was not my intention. Amen

 

God bless all of you beyond anything you can imagine. You all have truly been a blessing to me and my family. We love all of you. Take care and have a blessed week.



END OF LINE


JR