“If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.” Galatians 5:25
I once wrote: "... Raise your level of output to excellence, improve your relationships, stand in your integrity, maintain your ethics, and allow your reputation to speak for itself. When it all comes down to it, our character, reputation, integrity, and core values is all that we have. When others look at us and our work, they will see the true measure of our walk with Christ. Remember, it is never what you say; it is what you do that counts.” L.
After I wrote the last statement, I thought about it a little more. -So, today I am taking part of it back, I should not have used the word "never." What you say is important; however, what you do is much more vital.
Some of us believe that integrity is in our actions, i.e. what we do. But in reality, we know that the action first starts in our head. Prior to the actual action comes the decision to do the action.
Years ago, as a young manager of a large retail store I was charged with the job of interviewing potential sales and operations employees. At the end of the interview was a key question posed to potential employees, “If you had the opportunity to steal a pair of socks, or $100.00 bill, which one would you take?” Think about your answer for a moment before reading further. Make your decision now; then, keep reading.
If the interview was going well, the response would guarantee them the job. If it were not, the response would solidify their dismissal. Although the question was not perfect, it gave some insight into the thinking mechanism of the potential employee. Given a choice like this, what would your response be if you were in their shoes?
Our lack of integrity is ingrained from the fall of Adam & Eve. Imagine for a moment that, you allow someone to live in your mansion with all of your home’s amenities at their disposal; and, the one thing that you ask them not to use is the thing that they consume with some degree of pleasure. As imagined, you would throw your guests out on their heels as God did in Genesis 3:9-19.
It appears integrity was difficult from the beginning of man’s time on earth and is something we have to continuously remind ourselves that we are capable of. For some of us, standing in integrity is a given; while, for others, it can be questionable, toeing the line based on our circumstances, while ignoring the consequences. Yet, the consequences are key. You want more from God, but can God trust you with what He has already given you? If you are given more, will your integrity quotient move closer to toeing the line, or towards pressing the mark?
For most of us, these questions are answered when God either adds more obstacles in our way, or increases His blessings in our lives. So, consider this; if someone asked you the question, “If you had the opportunity to steal a pair of socks or $100.00 bill, which one would you take?” What would be your response?
-Well, the correct answer is, “I would not take either one! I do not steal!” L.
Study Reference: Galatians 5:25, Psalm 51:1-17 , Genesis 3:9-19
From: "Socks or The $100 Bill?" In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions For Everyday Living.
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo: wwd
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