Integrity, Not Duplicity

What’s the difference?

Child #1 thoroughly wipes down the entire ceiling fan every time, whether mom’s watching or not.  But while child #2 cleans the entire ceiling fan if mom is watching, the bottom of the fan blade only gets a quick swipe when she turns away.

Friend #1 is the exact same woman whether she’s talking to you or about you…whereas “friend” #2 smiles brightly when talking to you, but has nothing nice to say when talking about you to others.

Pastor #1 speaks the truth in love, whether you want to hear it or not, because he cares about your long-term peace…whereas pastor #2 speaks whatever you want to hear, whether it’s the truth or not, because he cares only about himself.

In every example, the difference is integrity vs. duplicity.  Crush every ounce of you that wants to be two-faced!  Here’s the Scripture verse for today:  “The integrity of the upright guides them, but the unfaithful are destroyed by their duplicity (Proverbs 11:3).”

Who has peace, and who has cover-up stress?  Who shares joy, and who lives joy-less?  Who enhances others, and who depletes them?  And maybe the most important question is this – who is, and is not destroyed?  Do you really want to sign up for a lonely, duplicitous, stressful life that ends in destruction?

Have integrity, and admit that your sins are a major problem!  Have integrity, and instead of craving more stuff, crave the peace that comes from Christ alone.  Why put a smile on at church, but plan sinful activity as soon as worship is finished?  Have integrity!  Stop hiding FROM God, and instead hide IN God!  Wherever you go, whatever you do, isn’t Jesus always with you?  Doesn’t he always notice?  You can hide things from humans, but never from God.  So live with integrity.  You’ll never be destroyed, and guided safely into glory!

Humble Savior, thank you for teaching me your holy truth.  Prevent my sinful self from making excuses, and instead, instill within me a heart of integrity.  I long to be consistent, transparent, simple-minded and full of trust.  When call something a sin, help me listen – even if it pierces me.  And when you announce that my sins are forgiven, help me trustfully listen and not give push-back.  How could I add anything to your perfect, finished work?  Let me be guided by the integrity you instill within me in every decision, all my life!  it is in your holy name that I pray, Amen.