A Clear Conscience

A Clear Conscience

 

July 3, 2009

~Denise Grant

 

“You must have true and honest weights and measures so that you will live a long time in the land the Lord your God is giving you. For the Lord your God detests anyone who does these things, anyone who deals dishonestly.” Deuteronomy 25:15-16

 

Something to Think About:

 

~How much integrity do you see on display in our culture? Where you work and live?

~Have you ever compromised on your values and belief? How did that make you feel?

~Have you ever suffered negative consequences for keeping your word and doing what you knew was the right thing to do?

 

     It is vital to your soul that you pursue moral excellence in every detail of your life. So what does the Bible have to say about integrity?

 

• Integrity means treating people fairly and honestly: - “Honest scales and balances are from the Lord; all the weights in the bag are of his making.” Proverbs 16:11.  Sometimes you may feel pressured to be unfair in order to improve yourself or increase profit – like realizing the store cashier failed to ring up a particular item. Although fairness is not always easy, God demands it in every business transaction. Any gain from cheating or fudging the truth is temporary - the long-term impact can destroy your soul.
• Integrity is giving your word and keeping it: - “Do not testify against your neighbor without cause, or use your lips to deceive.” Proverbs 24:28.  Many of us want to “please” the people in our lives and say what they want to hear – only to backtrack and apologize later. There’s no need to be purposely cruel, but be direct and honest up front. And never go back on your word.
• Integrity is more valuable than riches: - “Ill gotten treasures are of no value, but righteousness delivers from death.” Proverbs 10:2. We wreak havoc upon ourselves by choosing wrong living. God’s principles for right living bring lasting happiness, because they guide us into long-term right behavior in spite of our ever-changing feelings. True wealth comes from a true character.
• Beware of bad influences: - “Do not be misled: Bad company corrupts good character.” 1 Corinthians 15:33.  Just because others are cheating gives you no license to become a cheater yourself. If you find yourself surrounded by dishonesty, address it. If that doesn’t work, move on to protect your own reputation and ultimately, your soul. Ever heard the slang: “Guilty by association”? Choose your friends wisely!
• Your integrity sets an example: - “In everything set them an example by doing what is good.  In your teaching, show integrity, seriousness and soundness of speech.” Titus 2:7.  Show those around you that integrity is always the best policy! Live a Godly example so others might see your good deeds and imitate you. Your actions will give your words greater impact and you will earn the right to be heard.
• Integrity will be rewarded: - “In my integrity you uphold me and set me in your presence forever.” Psalm 41:12.  You may not receive immediate rewards for your integrity, but you will be rewarded with a peaceful conscience for living right – nothing beats a clear conscience!
• The Lord hates lack of integrity: - “Speak the truth to each other, and render true and sound judgment in your courts: do not plot evil against your neighbor, and do not love to swear falsely. I hate all this, declares the Lord.” Zechariah 8:16-17.  Bottom line, we have been put on earth to praise and glorify God. You are not pleasing God when you cheat. You have the responsibility to tell the truth, be fair and live peacefully.  

 

     God could use your life as evidence to reach another person. “For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.” Matthew 12:37

God Will…

 

Honor integrity – “He follows my decrees and faithfully keeps my laws. That man is righteous; he will surely live, declares the Sovereign Lord.” Ezekiel 18:9

 

Sanctify you – “May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Thessalonians 5:23

 

Make you more like Christ – “For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.” Romans 8:29

 

     Do you have in place, a personal set of values that guide you when pressured to do something you know is wrong or something you’re not sure you want to do?

Your personal value statement should declare what can’t be compromised in your life.

O God,

 

      You demand integrity because You are honest and righteous. Lord, Lend to me, discernment and strength so I may be consistently fair. Continue to perfect my character and make my integrity rock solid.  In Jesus’ name, Amen!

Denise Grant - Just "clay" in the Master Potter's hands.

 

The man who walks with God always gets to his destination.

If you have a  pulse you have a purpose.