INTEGRITY-THE FOUNDATION FOR ALL LIFE’S DEALINGS

Scripture: ( Acts 24:16 NKJ) …” I myself always strive to have a conscience without offense toward God and men.”

Integrity means having a clear conscience. Apostle Paul says of Himself that He aims to maintain a blameless conscience both before God and men (Acts 24:16). The believer ought to strive to do what is right, not what is easy. We always know upfront the right thing to do. However, the hard part is doing it. Integrity is doing the right thing,  even when no one is watching (CS Lewis). Knowing the right thing to do and failing to do it is sin. The believer’s character is on the line when he departs from the truth. We represent the Lord Jesus Christ, who is Truth (John 14:6). Always exercise honesty in all dealings. You are a new creation in Christ, created in righteousness and holiness of the truth (II Cor. 5:17-21).

 A situation happened as I assisted a kindergarten teacher at a  Christian day school. I was left in the classroom to dismiss a few students to their parents. One of the students left for dismissal was the teacher’s son. I always knew what was to happen to him upon dismissal. Either his father or grandmother would receive him in the absence of the child’s mother. Both his parents would end up at the same faculty meeting. The child’s grandmother scheduled pick-up is not on this particular day. Time elapsed, and no one came to receive the little one. I sensed that the parent’s signals had crossed, and I would have to wait for them to realize their error or prolong my stay at the school until the end of the meeting. The situation at hand compels me to do the right thing. I delight in the Lord to do good and trust Him (Ps. 37:3,4,7). For, “we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God has prepared beforehand, that we should walk (live) in them”  (Eph. 2:10). Man plans his ways, but the Lord orders his steps (Prov. 16:9). Without faith, it is impossible to please Him (GOD)(Heb. 11:6). The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and His ears are open to their prayers (I Pet. 3:12). The child’s parents realized their error. They rejoiced to know that their child was safe and that I would step up and take delight in pleasing Him by doing the right thing.

Prayer: Lord, we, Your children, press on even under the most difficult circumstances. Obedience to Your Word, will, and way becomes a way of life as we commit ourselves to Jesus. Knowing the right thing to do and fail is a sin. In Jesus’ Name. Amen

(by Novella D Carpenter)