Integrity

It is the political season and integrity will be a topic and it won’t be a topic. It’s already happening integrity will be questioned of some and not of others depending upon favor or disfavor. Double standards exist whether we like it or not. So, the irony is even those questioning integrity seem to lack it. Unfortunately that is true in the faith community.

 “Do not judge, so that you won’t be judged. ² For with the judgment you use,^[a] you will be judged, and with the measure you use,^[b] it will be measured to you. ³ Why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye but don’t notice the log in your own eye? ⁴ Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ and look, there’s a log in your eye? ⁵ Hypocrite! First take the log out of your eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye. Matthew 7:1-5 HCSB

We know all too often of our own issues and all too often use that as an excuse to not help another who is struggling to see, another double standard.

A couple of articles ago in our thoughts about forgiveness one of the key aspects we misunderstand is our forgiving is dependent upon us and not the actions or inactions of others. Forgiveness is what we do. It is what we control. It is our choice and duty to forgive. It benefits us first and then others. Integrity has a similar ingredient. Our integrity is dependent upon who we are NOT what others have done. Just over a week and a half ago, nine people were shot and killed in Emmanuel AME church in Charleston, SC during a Bible study of which the alleged shooter took part for an hour before opening fire. It is hard to imagine this happening at all much less in our back yard. This has probably raised more than a few questions in your mind. The chief of which is, “how would I respond?”

When the alleged shooter was arraigned families of those killed were in attendance. They made the point of forgiving him and committing to pray for him and his family. WHAT??? That surprised me. I guess I have less faith in others than I should but I was surprised and after a bit delighted. The act is beyond comprehension. The hatred, contempt is more than reasonable people can understand. If you or one of your family members were involved how would you respond? It becomes a question of integrity. Sure, folks would allow you the room for all kinds of harsh words and you would be justified at least by them. I ask you would your response be out of your faith? These families in my opinion have responded beyond comprehension by showing great faith in our Lord and living like he lived. That’s integrity. Responding with action based on who you are and what you believe, not how others would have you respond. Have you noticed what has NOT happened, riots, protests? Have you noticed how faith has changed the expected response? I have and Glory Be to God for the example of integrity of faith in the midst. Those nine have joined the great cloud of witnesses.

 

In HIS Service and Yours!

Bro G