Lesson 2: One’s public witness is only as authentic as one’s private integrity.

Good Morning!

Lesson 2: One’s public witness is only as authentic as one’s private integrity.

Continuing with our second look at Bill Shuler’s ten lessons he has learned in 25 years, we see lesson number 2.

All of us are familiar with the sordid stories of priests and pastors who have allowed the baser part of life to creep in and destroy their ministries. Our current media makes sure to remind Christians of how unchristian our leadership can be – and in the process attempts to sway public opinion against our Lord. What the media fails to do is to focus on the thousands of other clergy and laity whose walk is exemplary. One such clergy is Reverend Billy Graham. When Reverend Graham and his team were starting out in the mid-1940’s, Cliff Barrow, George Beverly Shea and Billy Graham entered into a covenant to not allow themselves to be put into a compromising position. Over sixty years later we can testify that none of the three ever broke that covenant. But that should not be an amazing statistic – it is what all people who claim the Name of Jesus should aspire to because we represent Jesus to the people of this World.

Paul makes this statement:

Ephesians 5:1-21 (English Standard Version)
Walk in Love
1 Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. 2And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

3But sexual immorality and all impurity or covetousness must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints. 4Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving. 5For you may be sure of this, that everyone who is sexually immoral or impure, or who is covetous ( that is, an idolater), has no inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. 6 Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. 7Therefore do not become partners with them; 8for at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light 9(for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true), 10and try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord. 11 Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them. 12For it is shameful even to speak of the things that they do in secret. 13But when anything is exposed by the light, it becomes visible, 14for anything that becomes visible is light. Therefore it says,
"Awake, O sleeper,
and arise from the dead,
and Christ will shine on you."
15 Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. 17Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. 18And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit, 19addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart, 20 giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, 21 submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ.

When we develop personal integrity, our public persona emits that integrity. People just know that what they see is what you are. The King James version uses the term “circumspectly” in this passage – and for good reason. I didn’t do well in the only foreign language I took – no, it’s not English – it is Latin. But what little I do remember is that “circum” means “round” and “spectly” means “looking”. What the combined word means is we are aware of what is in our life and we are doing something about it (mainly confessing our sins and letting Jesus have full control).

So our goal is to develop within us the integrity that spills over and is a witness of Christ in us.

Well, it’s Friday again … and I know you are ready for the weekend. Remember to keep Sam, Kim and Kendra in your prayers as Sam makes his way down to Savannah to be with his wife and daughter. Also don’t forget the Brown family in Chattanooga – especially little Caleb. Your prayers work, folks.

Agape’


Mr. Jim