"The Stuff of Integrity"

“The Stuff of Integrity”

 

In 1996 I was privileged to attend the Promise Keepers’ Pastors’ Conference in Atlanta with about 42,000 of my best friends. This was a life-changing experience as God worked in me to reshape my thinking and, as a result, the last 13 years of my pastoral ministry. When 42,000 men raised their voices in adoration and praise it was a preview of eternal worship in Heaven which we’ll enjoy as God’s redeemed people.

During one session the emcee asked all those 65 and older to stand. As they did a thunderous ovation recognized their many years of faithful service. The next day it was announced that, despite the urging of others, one man didn’t stand because it was one day before he reached the “magic age”. He was then invited to stand and was loudly applauded for his integrity and truthfulness. (As a side note, the Promise Keepers motto is “Men of Integrity”.)

There’s an old adage (generally attributed to Benjamin Franklin) which says, “Honesty is the best policy”. This reflects the principle to “Speak the truth to each other….” (Zechariah 8:16) and follows the example of Jesus who was “…full of grace and truth.” (John 1:18). Sadly, our culture today has made truth relative rather than absolute. But our “…God of truth….” (Isaiah 65:16) hasn’t changed His mind—“…The Lord hates…a lying tongue….” (Proverbs 6:16-17).

Abraham Lincoln is reported to have observed that “A liar better have a good memory”. (Politicians, take note!) The ability to recall faces, facts, events, and other things is a desirable trait but (as with time, money, and many other things) it’s to be used in proper ways (…Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome….” (Nehemiah 4:14).

The Apostle Paul admonishes us to “…put off falsehood and speak truthfully….” (Ephesians 4:25). As with the Promise Keepers’ attendee, our honesty will earn the respect of those around us and, more importantly, God’s blessing (“Who may stand in {God’s} holy place? He who…does not…swear by what is false. He will receive blessing from the Lord….”—Psalm 24:3-5). This is the stuff of which men (and women) of integrity are made.

What am I made of?

 

Blessings!

Jim McMillan