Integrity

If you think you are standing strong, be careful, for you, too, may fall into the same sin. 1 Corinthians 10:12

I fought back tears as my ten-year-old daughter leaned over and whispered in my ear, “Dad, you’ll never do that to us, will you?” We were listening to a young woman in a Christian college choir share her story. The loving home environment in which she grew up was suddenly shattered when her dad unexpectedly walked out on the family. It was an all-too-familiar story: another woman captured his heart, and so he abandoned his wife of almost twenty years.

In response to my daughter’s question, I whispered back, “I promise that I won’t.” Later, as I reflected on this exchange, I realized that I had answered honestly. Making that promise was appropriate. But I could not, with integrity, say, “I will never do anything like that.”

Some Christians—including some Christian leaders—see an admission of vulnerability as a sign of spiritual immaturity. The apostle Paul, however, considered it a sign of spiritual maturity. He confessed, “I discipline my body like an athlete, training it to do what it should. Otherwise, I fear that after preaching to others I myself might be disqualified” (1 Cor. 9:27). Then, as if anticipating a self-righteous response from his readers, he pointed them to the nation of Israel. No nation had ever had the spiritual privileges Israel posessed—from the parting of the Red Sea to the presence of Christ (10:1-4). But they still blew it. They caved in to complaining, idolatry, and sexual immorality. Paul cites the people of Israel as “Exhibit A” of what can happen even to people who seem to be closest to God. Then he issues his classic warning against falling.

I don’t know any Christian leaders who intend to pursue extramarital affairs. I don’t know any Christian leaders who began their ministries with the aim of embezzling or misusing funds. I don’t know any Christian leaders who planned on becoming bitter or walking away from their faith. But it happens. Just as eating a high-fat diet increases the risk of heart disease, assuming that “it will never happen to me” increases the risk of moral failure.

Leaders of integrity promise to walk in integrity. But they maintain their integrity by admitting vulnerability.

—Steve Mathewson

Reflection

In what areas of my character am I particularly “at risk”? How could I strengthen these areas against sin?

Prayer

Father of Lights, my Rock and my Redeemer, you do not change. In you there are no shifting shadows. But I am weak and prone to wander. Hold me, Lord, and strengthen me. Let me abide always in your unfailing love.