As for me, You uphold me in my integrity, and set me before Your face forever. Psalm 41:12
Joseph was a righteous man who had cultivated a reputation for godliness in his community. Then word spread across the community that Mary, the woman to whom he was engaged, was expecting a child. There would be many who would assume the worst of this apparently scandalous situation. Joseph probably experienced gossip from some, ostracism from others. Yet he was a man of integrity, aware that God knew the truth of his relationship with Mary. At times, God will be the only witness to your righteous behavior. Sometimes God is the only one who will understand your motives. Sometimes you will do all you know God has asked you to do, only to face ridicule from others. At such times all you can do is maintain your integrity, trusting that God always keeps His eyes on you. God looks favorably upon those who walk with integrity, doing what they know is right, regardless of how others perceive their actions. The most important thing is not that people know the truth. The most important thing is that you are a person of integrity before God. When no one seems to understand why you have done something or when others question whether you have done all you should have done, your confidence should not be in the hope of vindication in the eyes of others. It should be in the knowledge that God keeps you in His sight. If you have this confidence, it will be enough to sustain you. Blackaby Experiencing God Day by Day
Whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men. COLOSSIANS 3:23
Yes, God really does mean “whatever.” He means anything and everything. All. No exceptions, no fine print. We are to do all that we do as if we are performing the task directly for God. Imagine entering the workplace, the school campus, the neighborhood, or the church ready and willing to do whatever you went there to do “heartily, as to the Lord.” Do you realize that the mundane tasks of life as well as your greatest challenges are ways to serve the Lord? They are! As you think about this approach to life, consider Jesus’ words from His parable of the sheep and the goats: “Inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me” (Matthew 25:40). We are to serve heartily—with energy and enthusiasm, with a willing heart and even with joy—whatever we are doing. There is no place for mediocrity and laziness in God’s service. If you are a child of the King, everything you do is for His glory. Your labor is an expression of your love for God. Consider the effort and attitude you are demonstrating as you perform your tasks. Do they bring glory to God? Blackaby Being Still With God
The last several weeks have been a unique trial for me at work. I don't usually speak much to the behind the scenes of my job but today, evidently, God would like me to.
To me the call of Colossians 3:23-24 ties in directly with Psalms 41:12
Personal integrity means a lot to me. Obeying Christ is what I strive to do in my life whether or not people see me or not, He does.
I have had to take a stand on a few things at work that, to me, involved standing on what I believe. This wasn't without intense discussion. No voices were raised but my point was made on at least the first of the issues.
Many years ago I served God along side of a very good friend of mine at the Elyria Grace Brethren Church. I won't go into details of his 'why' but his reasoning I will share. Biblically speaking a man should not be alone with a woman that is not his wife. It's a matter of integrity for both and removes any doubts as to propriety. The integrity of both would be called into question should such meetings be unobserved by a third party.
I felt the need to inform my employer that I understand that this might make things complicated but I will not meet in a closed door meeting with the recently hired Supervisor, who is a woman, without someone else being there. I explained to them my beliefs. God granted me favor in this and we came to an arrangement. We will see if they hold up their end of things.
Another that ties in with this is my firm stance of family is more important than the business. This wasn't met with the exact same favor. I have made my point in my statement to them and I agreed to do more to weigh their needs against that. But in the end, to me, I still must obey God rather than man.
Doing right in the workplace or outside of it must involve integrity and doing our best regardless of how the world agrees or disagrees with you.
It's not always going to be easy to do. Look at Daniel and his friends. Obedience and integrity before God was more important than the favor of the king of Babylon. Joseph in the book of Genesis had his integrity questioned and was still thrown in jail. But the Scriptures still say...and the Lord was with him.
I falter every day. By no means am I perfect in my obedience. But God IS perfect in His forgiveness and mercy. Toby Mac, a Christian group, has a song called "Get Back Up". It's never too late to get back up again. Never too late, you're gonna shine again.
Hope is found in Christ Jesus. In living for Him because of His saving us.
What we do must be honoring to Jesus at all times, whether or not the world sees or not. Scripture says is it not He who searches the hearts of men? That He knows every thought we have?
How important is your integrity?
How important is doing your best as unto the Lord?
I have indeed left jobs over issues of various reasons. I stay at whatever employer until God makes it impossible to do so. Then I move on to the next assignment He has for me. Those places that have wronged me for my living according to my beliefs, God has dealt with in some awesome ways and means. Several are no longer in business. Scripture says it is God who sets up rulers and removes them.
Take time today to look at your why's of your life. Why do you do, say, or think what you do?
Is it honoring to God or to you?
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