Wednesday, September 9, 2015

who you are (when no one is looking)

Today's readings: Isaiah 3:1-5:30, 2 Cor 11:1-15, Psalm 53:1-6, Prov 22:28-29

Proverbs tells us that "Truly competent workers" will serve kings. And how much more should we be "competent" when serving the king of kings?

Integrity isn't always easy. Sometimes it is. When you get into the habit of being honest and doing good work and not stealing, breaking that habit doesn't even occur to you. Good habits can be some of the best things we can have in our lives. They steer us away from daily temptation.

But sometimes integrity is hard. When you are faced with a choice between telling the truth and keeping your job, it's a struggle. When telling someone the truth, even in love, might end your friendship, it's not easy. When being honest means working hard even when everyone else is sloughing off... it's a challenge.

And following Jesus doesn't necessarily mean we will always do the right thing. I think we sometimes think that... that we have to do everything perfectly if we are following Him. But He's not a drill sergeant. He's not a slave driver. He is the loving shepherd, and when we make mistakes and fall on our faces, He's there to pick us up again.

Our lives will be much better if we live lives of integrity. As the Proverb says, those who are really competent (which means work with integrity) will have much better lives and careers than those who don't. So shoot high. Work hard. Do your best. Strive to be a worker with great integrity.

And forgive yourself if you mess up. He does.

God, thanks for Your call to be world class workers, and for your grace when we need it.