What in the world does this mean when we read it in our Bible today? I looked it up on google and the AI says this-“Key New Testament scriptures describe the concept of walking uprightly, often expressed as living a life of integrity, moral purity, and in a manner worthy of God or Christ.” Sometimes I think the AI is more religious than most Christian’s I know. Very interesting definition for sure.
This phrase has been on my mind for the last several days and I feel impressed to write down my thoughts of what I find as I study this very interesting phrase. Let’s see what Mr. Webster says it means; Honest, just, conscientious, scrupulous, honorable, a strict adherence to moral principles, implies an active moral sense governing all one’s actions, suggesting a firm holding to codes of right behavior and the guidance of a high sense of honor and duty.
These ideals are not very popular in today’s society and sometimes lacking in the Church also. I do not mean to imply it is not in the Church but that most people are unaware of how to live godly not only in front of other people but in private also. Our identity should be in Christ Jesus and the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) should begin to be shown to all those we come into contact with, rather than the bad fruit that they are accustomed to seeing. As Christians we should hold ourselves to a higher standard than the world around us.
We should cultivate a mind or heart that is in pursuit of Godliness and purity. We should turn our backs on sin such as pride, envy, deceit, lust, and all the fruits of our fallen human nature. We are to practice honesty and integrity. Most Christians do not even understand integrity let alone practice it. Let me give you a few examples of what I mean.
Everyone knows that Hobby Lobby and Chick-Fil-A are Christian companies. They will become my example of integrity this morning. The U.S. Treasury Department has stopped making pennies as it cost too much to make them anymore. Most stores are refusing to carry pennies for change like they are not available anymore, and this includes my 2 examples. Pennies are still legal tender and they are still in circulation in America. All the banks still have them in stock everywhere.
What the business world has come up with is a mandatory system of rounding up or down for cash sales. My 2 Christian examples are doing it also. This is in effect a “legal” way of stealing someone’s money without their permission. As a Christian company if they do not want to carry pennies then they need to absorb the loss themselves and not round up and take someone’s money without their permission. This would be the right thing to do or the way a Christian company should react to this worldly practice.
These 2 examples are what the public sees from a Christian company and they just accept it as normal. This is not normal for Christians. Theft is wrong whether it’s pennies or larger sums. If this is acceptable to them, just what example are they showing the business world? God is not glorified in the world’s eyes. I contacted each company and their response was disappointing at best.
We as Christians should live to a higher standard than the world around us in private, and publicly also. Remember the old cliche “if in doubt throw it out” or in other words don’t do anything you question yourself if it’s right or not. This is just plain common sense coming from your heart. Live this way and you will be different from everyone else around you.
Practice integrity and honesty daily as you allow God to change you into the image of His Son Jesus and affect all those you come into contact with. Remember you will make it, just don’t give up. See you next time as we study God’s word together.
In His Service As Kilted Priest
