Carefully lifting each piece of paper, I sorted the stacks on my desk—again. I searched through file drawers, bookcases, computer folders, and email messages while praying fervently that the missing item would be found. Disappointed and frustrated, I took a deep breath and informed my supervisor before emailing the originator of the document for another copy. My prayers were answered in an unexpected fashion when I received a message in reply letting me know that the item hadn’t yet been sent to me!
Few people enjoy failure, but even fewer relish admitting their deficiencies. Fear of punishment, or even distaste for disappointing others, can drive us to less-than-honest responses when we’ve missed the mark. In the moment, we wrongfully believe we can deflect the consequences by spinning the information. But practicing deception only leads us into greater sin and eventual ruin. Thriving in hidden places, “Sin whispers to the wicked, deep within their hearts” (Psalm 36:1). Instead of believing our circumstances are the litmus test for our behavior, however, it’s vital we grasp that God is “the fountain of life, the light by which we see” (Psalm 36:9).
The Lord’s presence and all-knowing ways call us to integrity, but not because we fear His finding out our every sin like a cosmic police officer. Instead, we can live out the reality of His good and “unfailing love” by His strength (Psalm 36:5-6,10). Because He’s a God who rewards and also desires to bless His people, “He grants a treasure of common sense to the honest. He is a shield to those who walk with integrity” (Proverbs 2:7). May we live straight-up lives for Him—empowered by His powerful and compassionate ways.
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: Luke 4:16-30
More:
Read Proverbs 11:1-10 to see the contrast between the godly and those who rely on deception for their well-being.
Next:
Is there a current situation in your life where you’ve been less than honest? What will you do to rectify it? To what extent does our view of God affect whether or not we walk in integrity?
Gary Shultz on June 23, 2016 at 6:11 am
Hi Regina, I see you have the beginnings of a world class magician. I have been practicing the art now for years. I can, without moving from my desk make papers, letters, pens, and the like completely disappear. I still have a ways to go because I can not always make them re-appear or do magic with large objects yet….Yes, sometimes we are tempted to free ourselves from the finger of wrong doing by trying to make the truth disappear. You and I both know in the long run integrity will be respected and hopefully honored. This is to me a witness we can and should carry at all times. I agree with some, that Christians are our own worst witness of what a Christ filled life should look like. Yes, on occasion, I am lured by the “whisper”; however, the distance we keep ourselves from Christ and the presences of the Spirit does much to keep us tracking true. The bonus is if we stay close “current situations” are not often in the guilty bin. Thanks Regina
Regina Franklin on June 23, 2016 at 2:22 pm
Dear Gary,
Yes, intimacy with Christ is the key to loving truth, even when holding fast to it costs us much. Thank you for the reminder that we do not choose truth for the reward in the moment but for long-term outcome.
Regina
gagirllive on June 23, 2016 at 8:56 am
Regina, I had to chuckle when I was finally able to read this morning’s devotional because I just spent nearly an hour searching for my eye glasses. I’m a little embarrassed to say where they were, so I’ll keep that between me and Jesus. And no, they weren’t on top of my head! 🙂 The thing that I love about David and the Psalms he wrote is just the raw honesty in which he spoke. He withheld nothing. That is where true intimacy with the Lord begins. Though none of us can hide anything from God, the deceptive nature of our unrepentant hearts always wants to deal dishonestly. I love what David says in Psalm 51: 6…”Surely You desire integrity in the inner self, and You teach me wisdom deep within.” We need to give careful attention to our inner self and make sure we are being “straight up” with God, with others, and ourselves. No hidden motives or agendas…just the raw honest truth, which is always liberating. Appreciate this from you today, Regina. Grace and peace to all.
jef on June 23, 2016 at 11:56 am
Amen. If I may stretch it a bit did you give thanks or assumed normalcy once you located them? Reminds me of King Hezekiah first weeping sore for health restoration then suddenly gets a ‘heartlift’ when things revert back to to their original state.
gagirllive on June 23, 2016 at 12:29 pm
Jef, it truly is in the weakness of our humanity that we often forget to thank the Hand that supplies us all things—great and small. Reminds me of a quote I added to my collection not long ago. John I. Durham said, “The wonders of God yet excite men temporarily; and God is too soon forgotten or forsaken in man’s fascination with himself.” Gratefully, I remembered Him this morning. 🙂
Regina Franklin on June 23, 2016 at 2:22 pm
What a powerful quote, Gagirllive!
Regina Franklin on June 23, 2016 at 2:24 pm
Dear Jef–the story you reference is one I think of often when considering what we do with our answered prayers. It’s all too easy to allow our God-centered responses to wane when life becomes comfortable once again.
Regina Franklin on June 23, 2016 at 2:34 pm
Thank you, Gagirllive–we want truth from others but sometimes it is tempting to let ourselves wander in fields of gray. The enemy keeps us bound in the fear of “what if.” How wonderful to know we are safe in the Lord who knit us together and who knows everything about us. It is from this place of safety that we can ask Him to search our hearts and reveal any hidden places (Psalms 139).
al061016 on June 23, 2016 at 5:59 pm
Amen. It is so true that unless we are honest to ourselves and to Him, we will not be able to see the light as we are totally, completely blind. Thank Lord for opening our hearts and ears. It is truly joyful to be able to see Him and listen to what He wants to say to us. Enjoy His presence. Praise the Lord.
godlove on June 23, 2016 at 11:04 am
Being completely open and honest can be difficult at times, especially when trying to avoid embarrassment or to maintain some good reputation in front of others. I must admit that there are usually occasions when I am “less than honest”, as you nicely put it in your question in the Next section. But at the end of the day it usually only leads to a vicious cycle where one innocent-looking untruth leads to bigger lies. I’m all too conscious when I find myself in such situations and it makes me feel guilty immediately. It’s quite true that walking in integrity is part of living out God’s unfailing love so I pray for God’s help to help me live a more straight-up life for Him, instead of trying to “save face” all the time when I’m in fault.