January 24, 2021 Integrity

Genesis 43

Psalm 15

Proverbs 3:13-14

Matthew 15:1-20

Integrity

“He whose walk is blameless and who does what is righteous, who speaks the truth from his heart and has no slander on his tongue, who does his neighbor no wrong and casts no slur on his fellowman, who despises a vile man but honors those who fear the Lord, who keeps his oath even when it hurts, who lends his money without usury and does not accept a bribe against the innocent. He who does these things will never be shaken.” Psalm 15:2-5

Integrity is so rare these days that when someone acts in the manner described above we are suspicious. We wonder what their ulterior motives might be. It is no longer normal to expect people to be honest and to do what they say they are going to do. A man’s word and his handshake used to mean something. Unfortunately, it has become accepted to change our minds and do whatever best suits our needs at the time. Our commitments can be counted on until we get a better offer or as long as it is convenient for us. Worldly standards and expectations may have changed, but God’s Word has not changed and His expectations of us remain. As Christians, we live by a higher standard. God expects us to be honest and blameless. He expects us to “conduct ourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ” (Philippians 1:27). If we tell someone we are going to do something, He expects us to do it even when it hurts. Psalm 15:5 tells us that he who does these things will never be shaken and Philippians 1:27 says that we will be able to stand firm. Are you easily swayed by circumstances or your own whims and desires? Or are you someone who can be trusted to do the right thing and be honest in every situation? “Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” Psalm 139:23-24