AUGUST 25 “INTIMACY AND SPIRITUAL WARFARE IN THE CHURCH- INTEGRITY”

The dictionary definition of the word integrity is the quality of being honest and having strong moral principles. Jephthah was a mighty warrior, a Gileadite, but was the son of a harlot. His father, Gilead had other children from his wife. He was cast out because his half-brothers did not want him to play any part in their father’s inheritance.

When Israel was being troubled by the Ammonites, the elders of Gilead appealed to Jephthah to come back home and lead them in battle against the Ammonites. It was during this period that he made a vow to offer to the Lord as sacrifice the first object that came out of his house to meet him if he returned victorious. verses 31, 32 of our text. His only daughter was the first person to come out of his house to meet him. Nevertheless, he never hesitated to fulfill his vow, this is integrity.

Today how many Christians have integrity? Integrity is not living in denial.  It is acknowledging frankly and honestly what is before us. When the chips are down, we quickly pass the buck to others. We accept offices in the church but refuse to carry out the responsibilities. Our performances are nothing to write home about. When it comes to accountability about money, many of us disappoint the Lord. Even in our relationship with other Christians there is nothing to be proud of. Many brethren borrow money from others without repaying; this is not integrity. Can people in our offices or neighborhoods testify about our integrity in respect of our behavior?

Job was a man of integrity. That was why God boasted about him in Job 1:8, and his wife referred to his integrity in Job 2:9. Paul writing to Titus encouraged him to show integrity in his teachings – Titus 2:7. Am I a man of integrity? Are you a man or woman of integrity?

PRAYER: My dear heavenly Father, help me to be a person of integrity in my church, in my family, in my office and in my neighborhood. May your name be glorified in my life in Jesus’ name, Amen.