Three Sources of Integrity

Photo by Chris Evans

Scripture: Proverbs 10:9

He who walks in integrity walks securely, But he who perverts his ways will be found out.

Insights: This week we took a break from our sermon series on family from the book of Hosea.  At the same time, however, our subject dealt with families because it was Father’s Day.  We talked about integrity and the need for it in our society.  As in regards to this passage we talked about how integrity gives us a sure foundation upon which to walk, but that when we stop living with integrity we find ourselves off of the path and caught in the underbrush and thorns of life.  Eventually we are stuck and are discovered because we can’t get away.  Let me give you a short concept for what integrity is.  Integrity is you behaving the same way in private as you do in public.  In other words, you are authentic wherever you are and whatever you are doing.  What are the sources or areas in our lives where we primarily learn about integrity?  Robert Lewis in his book Raising Modern Day Knights indicates there are three primary sources.  As a way of giving tribute, everything I write this week in Thoughts by Scott are derivative of Lewis’ fantastic book.  Lewis states there are three primary sources for learning biblical principles like integrity.  The first is the community.  In history past, we had community organizations like the Boy Scouts and the Girl Scouts that actually taught our kids how to live a life of integrity.  These organizations have changed so much over the years I am not certain how helpful they are any longer.  The second source for learning is the church.  Like the community, however, I fear the church has lost it’s power to truly communicate this truth to the next generation.  We have compromised on so many issues that we are weak and anemic.  The final source for learning about integrity is the family itself.  Once again, I fear for the family.  I fear we have Christ-followers that are so weak in their personal spiritual pilgrimage with the Lord they are not capable of displaying and teaching integrity.  Beloved, I pray I am wrong.  I pray there will be a generation that rises up and says, “Enough is enough.  We need to do what is right.”  May God help us.

Questions:

1. What source did you receive the most training regarding the subject of integrity?

2. Do you sense that these source areas are faltering on their responsibility to instill integrity in the next generation?

Prayer: Father, I pray you will strengthen all three of these sources as a place to pass on the disciplines of integrity.  May the generation behind us be men and women of valor and integrity.  May they be faithful to strengthen community, church and families.  May You be brought glory as a result.  Amen.

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