The Value of Integrity

¹² But you have upheld me because of my integrity, and set me in your presence forever. Psalm 41:12 (ESV)

in•teg•ri•ty  noun 1: firm adherence to a code of especially moral or artistic values : incorruptibility 2an unimpaired condition : soundness 3: the quality or state of being complete or undivided : completeness^[1]

Living a life of high integrity is not easy work but has extremely valuable benefits. A life of strong integrity outlasts the life itself moving into the legacy that is left long after the person leaves this life. However, seeing living lives of high integrity seem to be seen less and less in the 21^st century. Whether it is in the lives of the people we associate with on a daily basis or the people in leadership and in the lime light of today’s society, integrity seems to be diminishing rapidly.

This regression of such a distinguishing character trait has to have a reason. Could it be that people today can not see the value of integrity? Is it something that is forgotten rather than expected? David uses this word in conjunction with a precept that is beyond human imagination. He said because of his integrity he would be before the presence of the Almighty, Creator God forever. Now we are talking value; value that surpasses any human motive to live a life of integrity. Let me ask you, if the people of the United States of America could see this kind of value in living a life of integrity, in every aspect of their lives not just where people could see them, how would it change our society?

Several OT characters are designated persons of integrity: Noah (Gen. 6:9); Abraham (Gen. 17:1); Jacob (Gen. 25:27); Job (Job 1:1, 8; 2:3); and David (1 Kings 9:4).^[2] Their walk of faith moved them to a life of integrity. So is it that a life of strong faith produces a life of integrity? The word is used twenty-five times in the Bible but only once in the New Testament. Paul told Titus to ⁷ Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity, ⁸ and sound speech that cannot be condemned, so that an opponent may be put to shame, having nothing evil to say about us (Titus 2:7–8).

A few of things can be seen here in this text. First, integrity can be taught and passed on. Just like anything else that is taught well or is of importance to be taught the best way to teach it is by living and showing it in our lives. Second, it encompasses much more than image. It encompasses our speech, our actions, every aspect of our lives. It is deep and very valuable. Third, it is the opposite of shame. No one wants to be in a state of shame, we all seek acceptance with others. Last, it is communal. Paul doesn’t tell Titus to have integrity just for himself but for the benefit of both of them (V.8b).

Bottom line, living a life of integrity is obtainable, teachable and has value beyond our wildest imaginations. I encourage you to commit to it, make it a lifestyle. Don’t just expect it from others, live it in yourself. Don’t just wish for it in our society, teach it in our society first by living it in your own life and then in words and encouragement to others. Do it with intentionality all to the glory of God (1 Cor. 10:31). Ask the Holy Spirit to teach you and show you areas you may be missing in your own life that relates to your integrity. Ask Him and He will show you great and mighty things you do not yet know (Jer. 33:3). Take nothing for granted but everything in subject to the Lord that you may prove His good and acceptable and perfect will (Rom. 12:3).

Lord Jesus, send forth Your Holy Spirit to teach us how to live a life of integrity for Your glory. Amen.

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^[1] Inc Merriam-Webster, Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary., Eleventh ed. (Springfield, Mass.: Merriam-Webster, Inc., 2003).

^[2] Chad Brand, Charles Draper, Archie England et al., Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary, 827 (Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers, 2003).

The Value of The Church

⁴ And coming to Him as to a living stone which has been rejected by men, but is choice and precious in the sight of God, ⁵ you also, as living stones, are being built up as a spiritual house for a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. ⁶ For this is contained in Scripture: “Behold, I lay in Zion a choice stone, a precious corner stone, And he who believes in Him will not be disappointed.” ⁷ This precious value, then, is for you who believe; but for those who disbelieve, “The stone which the builders rejected, This became the very corner stone,” ⁸ and, “A stone of stumbling and a rock of offense”; for they stumble because they are disobedient to the word, and to this doom they were also appointed. ⁹ But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; ¹⁰ for you once were not a people, but now you are the people of God; you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy. 1 Peter 2:4–10 (NAS)

Value is a priority in today’s world. Wal-Mart was built on the word value. Such things as Ebay and Craigslist are centered around value. Since a large portion of our lives is consumed with money, whether it is making it or spending it, it is a major priority in our lives today. Think about it, how long does it take almost any conversation before something comes up about money and value. The conversation could be focused on politics, work, pleasure, whatever the subject it will soon turn to money and/or value. I don’t think there is anything wrong with looking for value in life. The Bible speaks a lot about value. As a matter of fact there are more references to money in the Bible than almost any other subject. It is how we live.

Smart people know what and how to value almost everything. I would encourage you to find value in your spouse. I would also encourage you to find the value in spending time with your children and grandchildren. If you don’t see the value you won’t have any passion in what you are doing. I confidently believe that Jesus saw value in people, the cross, His mission and a lot more things. But what about the church? When I talk to unchurched, dechurched or slacking churched people I hear a lot about value. They don’t like this or that, they don’t like getting up early on Sunday morning, even though on the average churches start their day much later than almost any other thing in our world that consumes time. Basically they do not see any or enough value in the church to commit to it. Saved and unsaved people, young and older people, almost any gender, race or nationality, it is all the same they look for value and just don’t see it. What about the tons of people that sit in church every Sunday and even Wednesday night that just go because they feel obligated, do they see value?

Pastors, church staff people as well as other agencies such as Lifeway, Outreach.com, spend large amounts of time and money to increase the value or communicate the value of being in church. It is very much like the same efforts Walmart, IBM, Sears and all the other thousands of companies do to tell you, show you and convince you of the value of doing business with them, same exact thing. But why should this happen? Why can’t people, lost and saved, see the value of the church? Is it the church’s fault? I think the church (the people that are supposed to be the church) has a lot of responsibility. However, there is more to the story than that.

I firmly believe that the reason we are in existence, the reason we are alive and move and breathe is that God has a purpose for everyone one of us. However, that purpose is NOT centered around us, it is centered around the Son of God, Jesus Christ. Simply put I believe that the reason we are in existence is for the purpose that God the Father desired before the beginning of time to build for His Son a Kingdom and that is known in the Bible as the Kingdom of God. Everything Christians do should be centered around the Kingdom of God. Additionally, the Kingdom of God has another name given by Jesus, the church. So how much value does the church have? More than anything tangible thing in this world. The church is the forming of the Kingdom of God and if you have a problem with the church you have a problem with the King. If you see no value in the church you have a problem with the King. If you see no value in the church you see no value in the King.

The first and second commandment is centered around and fully supports this concept. The Great Commission is centered around and was given to the church, for the purpose of the expansion of the Kingdom of God. Read the book of Matthew, just how many times is the Kingdom referenced in one book? Think of what Jesus said, “I will build My Church (Kingdom) and the gates of hell will not prevail against it (Matt. 16:18). It is all about Jesus and His church. Got a problem getting up on Sunday mornings? Got a problem with the people or music at the church? Things aren’t going like you want them to at the church? You have a problem with the very organism that The Son of The Almighty Creator God died for, the church and ultimately you have a problem with the King Jesus. Are they any value in the church? I’ll let you decide that.

Lord Jesus, show us Your Truth and give us the proper insights to what You came to earth to build and give value to. Let us see Your church as You see it. Amen.

The Power of Association – Exodus 32

It is so hard to believe that in the absence of Moses on Mount Sinai that Aaron and the rest of the Hebrew people could have fallen away so soon, or is it? In the 32^nd chapter of Exodus we find Moses somewhere on a special mountain that is called God’s mountain. We find Joshua and a few more of Moses protégées somewhere between the Hebrews at the foot of the mountain and Moses as he talks with the Almighty God. God has given Moses what is known today as the Law, the guidelines for worship and the manner of life for these Hebrews from now on. This law, as we have since discovered is quite strict and detailed. However, these people had never had such a law. They had been in a land adjoining a group of pagans known as the Egyptians. Let us not forget that these people have never been, as we calling in our churches today, discipled. These people have lived for, with and next to a group of people that worshiped idols and false gods. Really bad influence!

It is so easy to look at someone’s failures and make a clear judgment of, “I can’t believe you did this.” At the same time we totally miss our own failures, fallings and times of slipping away. It is so easy to look at these people with contempt, though truly they were in the wrong and God justly judged them. However, we often hold them to a standard we don’t hold ourselves to. We have so much more that these people did in the way of revelation, example and instruction. Yet we tend to do the same thing. Our gods may not be a golden calf but they do come in other packages, sizes, colors and styles. Actually both groups, the Hebrews and you and I, may have the same problem – us. We tend to do things our way, on our time, to our benefit and in short we make ourselves the gods these people prayed to and worshiped.

I think the power of association has a lot to do with the scenario that we see in both Genesis chapter thirty-two and Christians in the 21^st century. They had spent some four hundred years rubbing shoulders with pagan people. Their ways, traits and lifestyles had made an impact on the Hebrews; it had to, it always does. Where we spend our time, where we allow our eyes and ears to go and how we live day to day has an effect on how we relate to God. Better said how we associate directly effects our holiness. First Thessalonians tells us that God’s will for our lives is to be sanctified, which simply means to be holy or be more like Jesus (I Thess. 4:3).

I think we can learn a lot from the Hebrews in chapter thirty-two. I think their failure can be a warning for us and help us to understand the power of association. Absent from Moses’ leadership and spirituality they done what they had seen in Egypt. First, we need to evaluation where and whom we associate with daily. If you are in a destructive workplace evaluate how to change it or move. If you are spending too much time with the wrong crowd either in person or via the many methods of relating in the 21^st century (internet, email, phone, text, television, etc.) then do something about that. Second, be sure you are spending time with your Moses. This could be a person or various people. For an example your number one Moses needs to be Jesus and though He is always with you; you CAN ignore Him. You may also need other Moses’ like pastors, strong accountability Christian influences and of course the church can be another Moses in your life. Evaluate then pray about your world of association and then ask the Holy Spirit to show you the truth but don’t forget to follow through with the commitment and completion of proper association. If you need to change ask the Holy Spirit to help you. I know one thing for sure, He has never let me down yet.

Lord Jesus please by the power of your precious Holy Spirit help us to know our world of association and help us to make the most of it, to bring about your sanctification in our lives. Amen.

Perspectives on Life

One thing this week has shown me while sitting at a hospital for four days and not being a patient but being patient is another perspective on life. I love to watch people or better said notice their expressions, mannerisms and such and try to reflect on what is going on in the world. We have had a wide array of people administering some type of care to the real patient. Some are real and have such a heart and some, you can tell, is there because they have to. Have you ever done something you were supposed to be passionate about or something that other people would like for you to be real and passionate about but just couldn’t get there? If you have ever worked for anyone and not been passionate about it then you have been there.

Jesus wasn’t like that. He came to earth for a mission and always, always had passion. The movie the Passion of Christ reflected only a small percentage of that passion and truly the movie title really wasn’t titled with the same passion that I am speaking of. Think with me or maybe even open your Bible and read. Do you think Jesus was passionate when He cleansed the temple? Do you think Jesus was passionate when He healed blind eyes and deaf ears? Do you think Jesus was passionate when He prayed for us in the Upper Room?

Jesus was passionate in everything thing He did for many reasons. First, He wanted to please His Heavenly Father. He made this clear that whatever He done He did because and to please His Father (John 5:19). Second, He understood the mission He was to complete. Jesus didn’t just do day by day He had a plan to finish and finish He did very well (John 19:30). Thirdly, Jesus saw the big picture. His focus not only was to complete the mission, He understood and kept the mission in His perspective at all times. The high times when He saw people receive His grace and then worship or bless Him and the times when almost everyone wanted to kill Him. Fourth, He did everything through the perspective of love. Jesus loved people (Mk. 10:21) and He showed that love and He focused on that love. In other words Jesus was real in His love.

So what does people see when they see you? Do they see a smiling face, a heart of love or something much more superficial? Jesus’ perspective on life made Jesus different; maybe that is what made some people not like Him. It may even make people around you different but it’s worth it especially if Jesus is the example. I want to be like Jesus. I want people to see that I’m different. I want people to see that I’m real. What about you?

Lord Jesus, help us to be more like You. Amen.

God will bring it to pass…

Would it not be an understatement to say that we get in a hurry? Would it also be safe to say that we often procrastinate? Both can intentionally or unintentionally go unnoticed due to choice, busyness or whatever other deterrent that comes our way. This real fact in our lives can present a continuum in the context of purpose and opportunity. Arguably, everyone has been on both sides of this line multiple times. But our Creator God is not this way, His way is perfect and He doesn’t procrastinate nor does He get in a hurry to see something come to pass. However, His love and mercy allows us to make these daily choices and often we find ourselves doing what we don’t’ want to do either being too anxious or too lax.

Moses found himself on both ends of this continuum. He went from savior to coward, from having almost everything in Pharaoh’s court to the Median desert, from aggressive to passive. Observing Moses’ life, things are much of a rollercoaster, but we have the privileged to look at his entire life from a very distant perspective. We see his beginnings and his end in only a few chapters of the Bible and we do not see the small day-to-day things, to these we are left only to imagine. Just before he ran for his life after killing an Egyptian things really look great for him. He has it together. However, on his way back to Egypt after spending a lot of lonely, humiliating time in the desert of Midian we see him so passive that his wife has to take control or he would have died (Gen. 4). I think if we are honest with ourselves we can relate to Moses. I think if we are honest with ourselves we often look a lot like Moses. But what about our Creator God?

Notice the call of Moses by God in Genesis 3:4. God uses Moses’ name twice consecutively, “Moses, Moses.” This is not the only time God does this. When God called the great prophet Samuel He does the same thing, “Samuel, Samuel” (1 Sam. 3:10). It happens again in the New Testament with the calling of the Apostle Paul, when God says, “Saul, Saul” (Acts 9:4). But this pattern does not end with calling of persons names, Jesus often repeated words back-to-back especially the Hebrew word “amen” often translated in our English Bibles as “Surely, Surely”, “Truly, Truly”, or in the KJV, “Verily, Verily.” Why is this?

First, this shows the certainty of God, the sovereignty of God and how our God is not like a shadow moving depending on the pressure or light source (James 1:17). God is in control of what He chooses to be in control of and He never looses or has lost control since the beginning of everything. Wow! There is more though. There is a verse, a bit of evidence in the story of Joseph that brings all this to reality. Joseph is given a gift of prophecy in the form of dreams and dream interpretation. He first has a repetitious dream about his family (Gen 37). Then after he has been sold by his brothers and finds himself in Egypt. Pharaoh has repetitious dreams and Joseph says “And the doubling of Pharaoh’s dream means that the thing is fixed by God, and God will shortly bring it about” (Gen. 41:32).

When God sets a certain thing in order it will come to pass. He is without shadow or turning (James 1:17). He is steadfast, He is God! Notice further in the account of Saul’s call, as we have already seen He uses Saul’s name twice. But when He calls Ananias to go see and minister to Saul God only uses Ananias’ name once. Why is that? Could it be that one way or another it was God’s plan and purpose (Doctrine of Providence) that Saul would be the Apostle Paul, but in Ananias’ case if he passed up this opportunity (procrastination/sin) God would have simply used someone else? The harmony of God’s sovereignty and human responsibility, it happens everyday and it happens in your life too.

Be blessed in knowing that we serve a God who is in control of all things yet loves us enough to give us a choice. Be blessed in knowing that that same God loves you and wants you to depend on Him and at the same time be diligent in the opportunities He brings you. Do not stress out thinking you will blow it. First, we all have blown it and second, if you ask Him, He will bring it to pass (Prov. 3:1-12).

Father, we praise you for your sovereignty and your patience in our lives. Direct us and guide us and please by the power of Your Holy Spirit help us to be submissive, obedience and diligent. Help us to make our yes, yes and our no, no. Amen.

Do-it-Yourself Project

When Cain’s selfishness, pride, anger and stupidity overcame his better judgment of forgiveness and resolution rather than retaliation he shallowly replied to God’s question with a question. “Am I my brother’s keeper?” (Gen 4:9) What was he asking? What we he really saying? I don’t have the responsibility of my brother? I don’t want the responsibility of my brother? I am an independent individual and that is all I want and all that You require God?

I think it is worth pondering that God didn’t directly answer Cain’s question, at least not verbally. God did answer the question with His judgment upon Cain. “and now you are cursed from the ground…” (Gen 4:11a) But the question still lies open or does it? It has been answered over and over throughout Scripture. The answer is a unmistakably yes! The Second Commandment answers that question. Jesus answered that question not only in His teaching but in His example and His purpose. Then Paul writes to the church in Rome “We who are strong have an obligation to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves.” (Rom. 15:1) The context is to Christians individually and in the church setting. The concept of chapter 14:1-15-13 is that we are responsible and obligated to our brother’s/sister’s well being, physically, emotionally and spiritually. He goes further in verse 2 of chapter 15 to say, Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, to build him up.” (Rom 15:2) Now, this Biblical truth says our brother’s/sister’s importance level is more than our own.

However, there is more. If we stop right here this Biblical truth seems to add more pressure to our all ready over-stressed lives, right? If we stop right there and that would be foolish because with God all endings are happy and if it doesn’t show joy then it is not over. Look at Romans 14:17, the purpose of life is the Kingdom of God and the Kingdom of God has a purpose for us to enjoy peace and joy. What if we step back and look at the bigger picture, not looking at it only from our perspective? What if we turned it around and asked the question do I need my brothers and sisters to be MY keeper? Your first response maybe be no but that is totally from whatever level of pride is still in your life. The real answer is yes, we need help and this (life) is not a do-it-yourself project[1], I need you and I need Jesus!

On one of our mission opportunities to Brazil, the church sang a song that translated “I need you, you need me and we need Jesus.” How true can this be, yet satan (I didn’t capitalize his name on purpose) wants us to believe we are independent, not needing others and certainly not our brother’s keeper. He wants you to believe that this is a do-it-yourself project (life). But Jesus said (and I totally believe everything Jesus said and says) that satan is a liar. The truth is we need each other and when you look at the bigger picture, being my brother’s/sister’s keep is not more weight on my life. It is a privilege to share in the teamwork of life within the purpose of the Eternal Creator God. I need you, you need me, we need Jesus, and this is not a do-it-yourself project.

Lord Jesus, show us more of Your truth and help us to see the bigger picture. Teach us more about You, Your Word and how to be the best brother’s/sister’s keeper we can be in the center of your righteousness, peace and joy, all to Your glory. Amen.

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[1] ________________, The Everyday Guide to Prayer: 2002 Barbour Publishing, Inc. Uhrichsville, Oh ISBN 1-58660-224-1

Shattered Clay Judgment

Jeremiah was a man of God that went through tremendous testing and trials. Known as the “weeping prophet” he had to preach to his fellow people whom God had just pronounced divorcement to. He was imprisoned, served under various kings experiencing a seesaw of political leadership; he even had one of the kings to burn his scroll. Not a piece of work done on a computer easily reprinted.

When we come to chapter 19 God tells Jeremiah to go purchase a clay pot from the local pottery shop, take it to the Valley of Slaughter and smash it to pieces on the ground. Wow, this doesn’t sound like the loving God many modern day prophets talk about. The God that they know that wouldn’t send anyone to a place known as hell. The place to bust the pot was call Hinnom. It was a deep, narrow ravine separating Mount Zion from the so-called “Hill of Evil Counsel.” It had been the place where the idolatrous Jews burned, yes you heard right, burned their children alive to Moloch and Baal.

The Jews associated with this valley these two ideas, (1) that of the sufferings of the victims that had there been sacrificed; and (2) that of filth and corruption. It therefore became to the common mind a symbol of the abode of the wicked hereafter. The Greek word Gehenna (hell) would be the translation to that language.” ^[1]

Why would God ask Jeremiah to do such a thing? Because though God is entirely a God of love, He is also a God that is entirely holy. Holiness in the purity of the Creator, Almighty God means that sin will not and cannot be tolerated in any form. Therefore we can say that God is entirely a God of love and entirely a just God. The holy and just God has, can and will be angered. That is why we find Jesus as the only answer to the opportunity to be in the presence of the Almighty, Creator God. It is only by Him that we have access to ANY degree.

It is so easy to think about, talk about and take advantage of the loving God that is so real. However, it is not a popular thing to consider the holy and just God that will break the clay pots in the time of judgment. Thinking deeper, how was we made? Adam was formed from what, dirt? Clay? Wow, clay pots being crushed because of sin, new concept, I don’t think so.

Unfortunately this truth is most often followed by the spirit of rejection and denial. Humans do not want to face the holy God only the loving God but He is God both holy and loving. Now don’t get confused, God does NOT have a split personality these are the truest character traits of the Almighty God, the One who Created all, the God of the Bible.

This should not leave a bad taste in our mouths or get us in a bad mood. This should be a truth we rejoice in. Why? Glad you asked. An all Holy God is a God that can be trusted. He is a God that will make all things new, like or even better than they were before man messed them up. He is a God that will not change like the weather or a shadow; He is dependable, totally fair and righteous. You see we really need such a God, such a Father. As terrifying as it may begin in our minds we really need God to be holy and just.

In this light, the truth of the coming judgment, I challenge you in two ways. One, praise God for being totally complete, totally holy and totally loving and second allow this truth to make you a better witness to those who do not know or deny the real truth.

Father, help us to understand you more that we may praise you more and be more like your only begotten Son, our Lord Jesus. Amen.

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^[1] M.G. Easton, Easton's Bible Dictionary (Oak Harbor, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc., 1996).