integrity – Be Still…

Judges 8:13-21 – Keeping Your Word

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.

1 Peter 3:13-22 – Integrity

Read 1 Peter 3:13-22

There is so much emphasis in our culture to be “number one”, have success, “go with the flow,” and certainly don’t offend anyone by being “politically incorrect.” Many times, to do these things would require us to set aside our morals and beliefs.

Some people do that blindly to fit in or be accepted. To “sell your soul to the devil” so to speak has its consequences. In today’s reading, we are reminded that suffering will come. We are not promised a problem-free life. Verse 17 says, “Remember, it is better to suffer for doing good, if that is what God wants, than to suffer for doing wrong!” Continue reading “1 Peter 3:13-22 – Integrity”