"Integrity"

 

“Integrity”

 

In 1990 University of Colorado Head Football Coach Bill McCartney founded Promise Keepers, a men’s organization promoting Christian values in the home, church and community using the theme “Men of Integrity”. During the 1990’s it conducted many large events including a Pastors’ Gathering in Atlanta in 1996 attended by some 42,000 (including yours truly) and a Sacred Assembly of Men in 1997 which brought 600,000-800,000 to the National Mall in Washington DC. While its primary focus has changed to Bible study groups with an annual stadium event PK continues in its purpose under the “Men of Integrity” motto.

The Cambridge English Dictionary defines integrity as “the quality of being honest and having strong moral principles that (one) refuses to change”. In Hebrew the word so translated in the Old Testament is also rendered blameless. In Job 2:3 God asks Satan, “Have you considered my servant Job? There is no one on earth like him; he is blameless and upright, a man who fears God and shuns evil.” (Emphasis added). The Apostle Paul uses a Greek word (its only occurrence in the New Testament) to challenge his mentoree, “In your teaching show integrity….” (Titus 2:7, emphasis added)—in other words, “Display consistency in your words and actions.” (To clarify, this doesn’t suggest that we never change our methods—note Paul’s description of his ministry in 1 Corinthians 9:19-23)—but that we always conduct ourselves according to the principles set forth in Scripture.) In One Year with Jesus the devotional thought for September 7 says, “Don’t let your integrity slip in small matters, and it will not fail you in critical decisions either.” Wise words we need to take seriously.

As I neared the end of my pastoral ministry I read Psalm 78 (the longest one except for 119) in which Asaph, a worship leader during the time of David and Solomon, summarizes Israel’s history from Moses’ receiving God’s law to the end of David’s reign. I was familiar with it but never had understood the significance of Verse 72 before: “And David shepherded (God’s people) with integrity of heart; with skillful hands he led them.” (Emphasis added). I prayed then (and still do) that these words might be true of me in whatever role God has for me and that I’ll always be described as a “Man of Integrity” in all I say and do.

 

Grace and Blessings!

Jim McMillan