integrity – Be Still…

Luke 16:10 – Faithful Responsibility

“If you are faithful in little things, you will be faithful in large ones. But if you are dishonest in little things, you won’t be honest with greater responsibilities.” (Luke 16:10)

If there was such a thing as “faith scorecards,” then we’d all want to be recognized for the large faith opportunities we encounter. Jesus makes a bold observation here. Are there ever exceptions? It’s interesting that Jesus compares faithfulness and dishonesty in this example.

Context (Luke 16:1-18): Jesus was great at telling stories or parables to teach his audience. This verse falls right after Jesus’ Parable of the Shrewd Manager and right before Jesus tells us we can’t serve two masters, in particular, God and money. The lesson of the parable had been to use your worldly resources to “benefit others and make friends.” While the surrounding verses are somewhat connected, it seems our memory verse could also stand alone and not be involved in the money discussion. Continue reading “Luke 16:10 – Faithful Responsibility”

Judges 8:13-21 – Keeping Your Word

Read Judges 8:13-21

Unsure how much time has passed when we read “after this,” but suffice it to say that Gideon remains true to his word. You’ll recall in our last reading that Gideon and his army were turned away by two towns until they could bring the two Midianite kings into custody.

I don’t think of Gideon as a gloating type, but he returned with the two kings in hand and was ready to make a statement. He had warned the leaders of these two towns what would happen to them for not helping him in their time of need. Gideon is going to make good on these promises. This will set a good example for his men.

Deuteronomy 23:15-25 – How Good Is Your Word?

Read Deuteronomy 23:15-25

Moses continues to put specific laws in place for God’s people. It may be helpful to review the verse from Romans 10:4 that I quoted in our last reflection. Remember Paul’s words, “For Christ has already accomplished the purpose for which the law was given. As a result, all who believe in him are made right with God.” That’s not to say what we read here doesn’t have wisdom. It does. It came from God, after all.

Did any of these particular laws resonate with you? I was struck by verse 23, “But once you have voluntarily made a vow, be careful to fulfill your promise to the Lord your God.” No where does it say we must make vows or promises to God. In fact, to the contrary. It is not a sin to not make a vow. But we do find ourselves at time making claims that may or may not be doable. Keep in mind, too, that the text is referring to vows to the Lord.

Deuteronomy 7:1-26 – God’s Integrity

Read Deuteronomy 7:1-26

There’s a bit of repetition in today’s reading, but Moses is clear in his instruction to the people. We must always keep in mind that Moses’ words are a message from God. The two things that strike me here are that God will clear away those evil people, and that the Israelites are to totally destroy them and not intermarry with them.

Why is God doing this for these people? He loves them, and he is being true to his word. His promise goes all the way back to Abraham, and the love story continues with these wilderness roamers. Do they realize how privileged they are to be set apart by God? The rest of these peoples, those stronger in the land, are soon to be destroyed. God created them, too, but his love and his word are what matter. That’s what integrity looks like.

Proverbs 25:1-14 – Keep Your Word

Read Proverbs 25:1-14

Disappointment. Nobody likes to be disappointed. If you can avoid it, never disappoint someone else. Today’s verse (14) says, “A person who promises a gift but doesn’t give it is like clouds and wind that bring no rain.” For a bit of context, think of how dry it is in Israel. Yet there are farmers and people who live off the land. Imagine the joy when a cloud appears in the sky. A cloud dark in appearance would seem to promise rain. Imagine the let down when it passes over without a drop of rain having fallen. The frustration is great.

I think we have all experienced disappointment in our life at one time or another. We have relied on someone’s word, and they let us down. I am taking the “gift” in this verse to mean any act of service or promise that is made to benefit someone else. If I say I’ll arrive tomorrow to take you to the store, I need to keep my word and show up at the appropriate time. If I don’t, you will not only be upset you will not get the items you needed at the store.