Craig Clouston

 Fearless Integrity

March 7

The man of integrity walks securely, but he who takes crooked paths will be found out.

Proverbs 10:9

The roadside billboard asked, “Are you a person of integrity? God.”

Harold was troubled by the question. He had just left a business meeting and had to admit he had hedged his bets. He hadn’t exactly lied, but he had not shared some important information that could have benefited the committee. He believed he might be able to benefit by withholding this information.

The next two hundred miles were spent seeking God’s resolution to the issue. Returning to his office, he called the committee via teleconference and advised them of the information. He went on to explain he would understand if they backed out on the deal due to his deceit. 

To his surprise, the group knew of the information themselves and had to admit to their own duplicity in the matter. Asking forgiveness, they committed to complete disclosure in the future. Their openness marked the beginning of tremendous growth for each of them, spiritually and in their business.

†

God wants us to reflect His Son’s attributes. Deceit is inconsistent with integrity. The handing over of integrity began in the garden, and the process continues today. Satan still whispers in our ear, “What they don’t know won’t hurt them. You deserve an edge. Keep quiet.” His attempt to persuade us to listen to his lies reveals that his character never changes. He only wants to steal and kill and destroy us.

God’s character never changes either. Holiness won’t allow Him to lie or hedge his bets. Only His kids have that ability. It remains our choice whether we seek an edge in the world or choose to bring all temptation, and therefore the outcome of our lives, to God’s care.

He commanded us to be honest and forthright. Whether we’ve been dishonest in the past or not, He asks us to become men and women of fearless integrity.

Prayer

“You see everything we do, Lord. But because others don’t, it’s easy to be less than honest in our dealings. Help us desire to be men and women of integrity. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”