Addressing Integrity

Addressing Integrity

Exodus 23: “You shall not circulate a false report. Do not put your hand with the wicked to be an unrighteous witness. ² You shall not follow a crowd to do evil; nor shall you testify in a dispute so as to turn aside after many to pervert justice. ³ You shall not show partiality to a poor man in his dispute.

 

⁴ “If you meet your enemy’s ox or his donkey going astray, you shall surely bring it back to him again. ⁵ If you see the donkey of one who hates you lying under its burden, and you would refrain from helping it, you shall surely help him with it.

 

⁶ “You shall not pervert the judgment of your poor in his dispute. ⁷ Keep yourself far from a false matter; do not kill the innocent and righteous. For I will not justify the wicked. ⁸ And you shall take no bribe, for a bribe blinds the discerning and perverts the words of the righteous.

 

⁹ “Also you shall not oppress a stranger, for you know the heart of a stranger, because you were strangers in the land of Egypt.

 

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GOD continued speaking to Moses. This time HE had many things to say about using clear judgment or integrity in matters.

 

My Observations:

• GOD wanted impartial judgment.
• GOD wanted fair treatment, even towards enemies.
• GOD wanted a mindset that treats strangers well.

 

Rumors are unverified stories, gossip, or pieces of information that pass quickly from person to person without proof of whether they are true or false. Moses had a difficult job assigned to him. He had to lead the people into the promised land, and he had to judge disputes along the way.

 

While this set of scripture can be applied universally to you and me, I believe there was a personal meaning for Moses. He had to face poor people who would lie and wealthy people who were getting lied on. He would also face rich people trying to bribe him.

 

GOD was universally addressing integrity. HE wanted to introduce resilience to rumors, lies, bribes and ill feelings towards enemies. GOD’s expectation of HIS people was to be above lies, bribes and hatred. HE still wants this for you and me. HE wants us to have compassion for strangers as we were once strangers.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD remind Moses about HIS view on justice and integrity?
• Do your lips easily spread gossip, rumors or unverified information to feel superior?
• Have you asked yourself, “Am I trying to be superior with unverified information or should I use integrity to please GOD?”

Street Justice

Street Justice

Revelation 17: ¹⁵ The angel also said to me, “The waters you saw, on which the prostitute sits, are nations, peoples, races, and languages. ¹⁶ The ten horns you saw and the beast will hate the prostitute; they will take away everything she has and leave her naked; they will eat her flesh and destroy her with fire. ¹⁷ For God has placed in their hearts the will to carry out his purpose by acting together and giving to the beast their power to rule until God's words come true.

 

¹⁸ “The woman you saw is the great city that rules over the kings of the earth.”

 

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After being robbed, I was shaken. I feared sitting in certain seats on the bus, or even going down certain streets. Someone said to me, “Don’t worry, those people who did you harm will face street justice.” In other words, someone will rob the robber.

 

• I saw “street justice” happen to thugs in my neighborhood.
• I heard about “street justice” happening to gang members.
• I witnessed thugs beating up the thugs who once bullied me.

 

John, the disciple JESUS loved, got another statement from the angel who took him into the desert. The angel explained that the great city that caused humans to sin, would face “street justice’ from the beast and from those who may be leaders of countries. Their jealousy of the power would cause them to desire to take down part of Satan’s kingdom.

 

My Observations:

• GOD will allow evil people to take down evil people.
• GOD wants my heart to remain focused on HIM and not return evil for evil.
• GOD does not want me to celebrate the demise of anyone, because it could happen to me.

 

“Turnabout is fair play” is a term that means, it is alright to do evil to someone who has done evil to me. But this causes a problem to the believe. I mean, the world may look away at my “street justice” BUT GOD will not look away. All my sins come with consequence. BUT GOD gives me a better way.

 

Instead of committing sin, GOD wants me to give my enemies over to HIM. “Vengeance is mine says the LORD, I will repay.” HE is sovereign and just to carry out what HE said HE would. HE sees the victim and the foe. HE knows who is the oppressor and listens to those who cry out to HIM. I give my enemies to GOD.

 

Challenge

• Why does the angel remind the writer that the woman was the great city?
• Have you ever been wronged and wanted to do something wrong to “that” person?
• Will you give “that” person over to GOD so your conscience will be clean today?

What Is Right

What Is Right

2 Thessalonians 1: ⁵ All of this proves that God's judgment is just and as a result you will become worthy of his Kingdom, for which you are suffering. ⁶ God will do what is right: he will bring suffering on those who make you suffer, ⁷ and he will give relief to you who suffer and to us as well. He will do this when the Lord Jesus appears from heaven with his mighty angels, ⁸ with a flaming fire, to punish those who reject God and who do not obey the Good News about our Lord Jesus. ⁹ They will suffer the punishment of eternal destruction, separated from the presence of the Lord and from his glorious might, ¹⁰ when he comes on that Day to receive glory from all his people and honor from all who believe. You too will be among them, because you have believed the message that we told you.

 

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“She hit me” I said in tears. When the teacher took away her toys, I felt vindicated. I began smiling. “What are you smiling about?” she asked as she took my toy away. “What did I do?” I asked. “Gloating over someone who is punished is not good either. Both of you need to make up.” was her answer. We made up and played together.

 

• I did not know I could be wrong while being “right.”
• I needed a higher power to intervene.
• I truly did not know what was “right.”

 

Paul, Silas and Timothy provide solace to those who were suffering because of their belief in JESUS. Their words of hope was to provide everyone fuel to endure persecution for their beliefs in JESUS. They also presented the “just” side of GOD that is difficult to hear. Those who cause suffering would have to deal with GOD.  But this was not a point to gloat over, rather a time of concern.

 

My Observations

• GOD wants all to be redeemed, so HE wants me to seek HIS salvation for me and for those who cause me pain or I cause them pain.
• JESUS will return someday and wants me ready with HIS love.
• GOD defines what is “right” and is just in HIS decisions.

 

“What is right” is difficult to swallow sometimes. I mean, I may think I am right when I am really wrong. BUT GOD has a way to clear up my confusion over what is right and wrong. HE made it clear that belief in JESUS makes me and you right. All have sinned and fall short of HIS glory. We could never reach HIM by our actions and would be destined to be separated from HIM throughout eternity.

 

HE is just and “right” in HIS decision and structures. HIS love is a redemptive love that endures forever. I am glad GOD is right and makes you and me holy because of HIS declaration.

 

Challenge

• How do you feel about the writer’s comment “God will do what is right?”
• Do these words make you want to get to know GOD or be upset with HIM?
• Will you see HIS love differently and know HE feels your pain?
• Will you allow HIM to bring you through your suffering by opening up your heart to HIM today?

I Don’t Want Justice

Esther 7: ⁸ Just as the king returned from the palace garden to the banquet hall, Haman was falling on the couch where Esther was reclining.

The king exclaimed, “Will he even molest the queen while she is with me in the house?”

As soon as the word left the king’s mouth, they covered Haman’s face. ⁹ Then Harbona, one of the eunuchs attending the king, said, “A pole reaching to a height of fifty cubits stands by Haman’s house. He had it set up for Mordecai, who spoke up to help the king.”

The king said, “Impale him on it!” ¹⁰ So they impaled Haman on the pole he had set up for Mordecai. Then the king’s fury subsided.

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Bragging was an art in the position I was in. It was concealed by the words “self-promotion” mixed in with a hint of “praising my team.” I wasn’t always a master at it though. One day I blurted out “I” worked hard and “I accomplished whatever. I did this because I was tired of my thieving boss stealing credit for ideas he had no clue about.  I was pulled aside and told “don’t ever do that again. “What” I said innocently. “Don’t be a braggart.” I was labeled a trouble maker for a while until I learned the right bragging mix.

• Spotlight seemed like the place I wanted to be.
• Headline seemed like the words I wanted to hear.
• Top spot seemed like the place I deserved.

Haman was a braggart who would do anything to gain power. He ordered to have GOD’s people murdered, simply because he didn’t like them or how they were handling things. He would then self-promote about his wealth and title. Little did he know his demise was around the corner. He received GOD’s justice. I felt the same way when I was looked at as the troublemaker. What was I to do?

• GOD says “Do not think more highly of yourself.”
• GOD says “Blessed are the meek for they shall inherit the earth.”
• GOD says “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”

True humility is what GOD is looking for, not the fake stuff I sprinkle here and there when I can tally how humble I have been when I rant to GOD in a tantrum. GOD is looking for the times when I have served and no one knows about what I have done but HIM and me. Service cannot wipe away sin rather it is a celebration of not receiving GOD’s justice.

• Are you bragging about something?
• Are you mad at someone because you are doing more of the work or you are “better” than them?
• Are you yelling at GOD and telling HIM how humble you have lived?
• Can you leave the humble judging to HIM?

GOD is watching

1 Samuel 26: ²³ The Lord rewards everyone for their righteousness and faithfulness. The Lord delivered you into my hands today, but I would not lay a hand on the Lord’s anointed. ²⁴ As surely as I valued your life today, so may the Lord value my life and deliver me from all trouble.”

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When I finally received the letter with my title and new salary, I said to myself, “I can’t wait to fire a few people.” I knew just who I had in mind. These were the lazy and slothful, at least in my mind, but really they were those who had opposed me over the years.

I handed in my list of people who should be cut, only to find out much later that one was my boss’s boss great friend.

• Sometimes I choose justice over grace.
• Sometimes I choose vengeance over mercy.
• Sometimes I choose “my way” versus “GOD’s way.”

It just feels good to get revenge or see someone fall who has been a jerk to many. BUT GOD wants me to have a different approach.

• GOD wants me to show mercy and sometimes explain it.
• GOD wants me to choose grace by praying for my enemies.
• GOD wants me to value life over getting my way.

Yes, GOD has softened my heart over the years and I value souls more stuff. My push is now focused on the kingdom more and more. It’s not always there but the more I can focus on GOD the more HE rewards me.

• Are you ready and hoping for vengeance?
• Do you want justice to happen?
• Are you waiting on a person to fail?
• Can you change your heart and hope for the best for that person?
• Won’t you pray for GOD to embrace them rather than taking them down?

Punishment or compassion

Hebrews 13: ³ Continue to remember those in prison as if you were together with them in prison, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering.

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“Traffic is moving slow today” I thought to myself. “Glad I’m on the train” I may have gloated in my mind. Suddenly I felt a hand reach in and grab the choker necklace I was wearing.  Within seconds my peaceful pondering had turned into roaring rage!  I mean I had just found that choker on the ground the week before and I never wore jewelry before.  “I hope they get put in jail and rot” I thought.

• Sometimes I just want some people to suffer for the wrongs they have done to me or others.
• Many times I wish I could have all the criminals locked up so I can live a peaceful existence.
• There are times I look to GOD and say “zap them” because they did something wrong to me!

I don’t know where I got this mindset but I honestly thought I could live on Earth peacefully. Maybe if I avoided people who do wrong things I could just exist without trouble.  Somehow “they” kept finding me and I was fed up! Maybe “they” could be removed and “I” can have my peaceful life. BUT GOD sees “them” differently.

• GOD sees the person who does something wrong as HIS child just like me.
• GOD sees “their” sins and “my” sins and forgive “us” based on belief in HIS SON.
• GOD sees my wicked heart and gives me grace and wants me to do the same.

“Love your enemy,” “remember prisoners” and “turn the other cheek” are some very difficult principles I’d rather not keep.  I mean don’t they show weakness?  GOD says an emphatic “NO, they show strength.”  It actually takes more courage and strength to love criminals and wrong doers than loving those who are easy to love.

GOD wants my character to be like HIS, loving those who have lost their way. Hopefully this love will bring them home.

• Has someone wronged you?
• Do you want revenge?
• Can you let GOD have the revenge and you own the love for that person?
• Won’t you gain strength today by allowing GOD to fill you with compassion rather than judgment?

Am I bold enough to call GOD marvelous?

Revelation 15: ³ and sang the song of God’s servant Moses and of the Lamb:

   “Great and marvelous are your deeds,
   Lord God Almighty.
Just and true are your ways,
   King of the nations.
⁴ Who will not fear you, Lord,
   and bring glory to your name?
For you alone are holy.
All nations will come
   and worship before you,
for your righteous acts have been revealed.”

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“What did you get on the test?” one of my classmates asked me.  “I didn’t do so well” I said to him thinking everyone must have failed this test like I did. I mean it was hard and I didn’t understand a single problem. I thought maybe the professor was sadistic or just plain crazy.

I asked my classmate “How did you do?” I guess I wanted company in my misery. He said “I got forty nine out of fifty!” in a happy voice. Maybe this professor wasn’t as sadistic as I thought.

• Sometimes I can’t see GOD as being powerful because I see my flaws.
• Sometimes I can’t see GOD as being marvelous because I think I’m a mess.
• Sometimes I can’t see GOD as being leader of all because I’m trying to control HIM and HE doesn’t allow that.
• Sometimes I can’t see GOD as being holy because my thoughts are sinful.

I put GOD in the same bucket I put others and myself. I can easily see the flaws in others and I can quickly point them out but it’s harder to see the good in them and just appreciate it. No doubt I treat GOD the same way.

• GOD is marvelous in “all” of HIS deeds, large and small.
• GOD is almighty and is handling all of my circumstances.
• GOD is just and true so HIS decisions will always be right and in my best interest.

One of the reasons I doubt GOD is because I view HIM smaller than HE really is. JESUS, the lamb, has performed righteous acts that enable all who believe in HIM to be saved. HE is the glorious and holy GOD!

• Do you really believe that GOD is above everything?
• Are you blaming GOD for your decisions?
• Are you viewing GOD by the way you view humans?
• Is GOD, “GOD” or is HE a convenient concept to be used occasionally?

LORD have "Mercy" on me!

Matthew 18:21Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, "Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven times?" 22Jesus answered, "I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.

23"Therefore, the kingdom of heaven is like a king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants. 24As he began the settlement, a man who owed him ten thousand talents was brought to him. 25Since he was not able to pay, the master ordered that he and his wife and his children and all that he had be sold to repay the debt.

26"The servant fell on his knees before him. 'Be patient with me,' he begged, 'and I will pay back everything.' 27The servant's master took pity on him, canceled the debt and let him go.

28"But when that servant went out, he found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred denarii. He grabbed him and began to choke him. 'Pay back what you owe me!' he demanded. 29"His fellow servant fell to his knees and begged him, 'Be patient with me, and I will pay you back.'

30"But he refused. Instead, he went off and had the man thrown into prison until he could pay the debt. 31When the other servants saw what had happened, they were greatly distressed and went and told their master everything that had happened.

32"Then the master called the servant in. 'You wicked servant,' he said, 'I canceled all that debt of yours because you begged me to. 33Shouldn't you have had mercy on your fellow servant just as I had on you?' 34In anger his master turned him over to the jailers to be tortured, until he should pay back all he owed.

35"This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother from your heart."

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This passage is a tough pill to swallow. I love to have grace and mercy extended to me, yet I find it so satisfying to dish out the punishment and mayhem to others.

JESUS tells Peter a story about a merchant who was forgiven a large sum, yet could not forgive someone a small sum. HIS analogy relates to us becoming Christians, yet we (I) don't treat people with the mercy GOD has bestowed on us.

Mercy is a very strange thing I have pondered quite a while. Mercy means "you know" what wrong the person has done and "they know" what wrong they have done yet "you don't punish" them for what they have done.

I like to be right and get my way. I have said this many times before in the past. In being right and getting my way, I throw away mercy when the time is right. The hammer of judgment comes falling fast and I jump out there to argue my point, "because I'm right!"

Being "right" is not always the best for the relationship, especially when its a GODLY relationship. When GOD puts two people together, one of them will make a mistake. I guess it feels good to be respected and I take this opportunity to "grab" some respect by being right.

BUT GOD wants me to be merciful rather than being right.GOD sees every sin I have ever done.

• GOD forgives me for my sins.
• GOD does not punish me for my sins.
• GOD loves me more in the middle of my sins.
• GOD wants me to treat people like HE treated me.

Peter asked JESUS "How many times should I forgive someone?" JESUS says "A whole bunch!" OK that was paraphrased but you get the point. There is one person that I have also learned to forgive that is very special to me. "Me!"

I look at this scripture and I have also learned to forgive me for my mistakes and faults. By forgiving myself, I get plenty of practice and I can then forgive others.

• Did someone do you wrong?
• Can you forgive them for the wrong they have done?
• Do you have to be "right" and "heard" today?
• Why do you have to be "right" and "heard"?
• If GOD protects you from "being walked over" why are "you" trying to prevent it?