Week Twenty-Four - Kind

KIND

“But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and he shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil.”  Luke 6:35

The example of Christ is one of kindness toward those who, in our estimation, are undeserving.  The word, kind, has the meaning of fit, fit for use, useful, virtuous, or good.  It also means manageable, mild, pleasant (as opp. to harsh, hard sharp, bitter), benevolent.
When faced with the angry crowd and the woman caught in adultery, Jesus chose to show kindness.  His response was guarded, patient and mild.  When faced with the hassled Martha, his response was fit for use, instructional, corrective, not harsh or bitter.  Even when he encountered the legion of devils and cast them into the swine, we read of no sharp words.
This verse also reminds me of the verse: “God sends rain upon the just and the unjust.”  God sees no need to be unkind.  Man’s judgment is already set.  God’s goal is to see man redeemed.  It is the goodness of God that leads men to repentance. (Romans 2:4) He is not willing that any should perish, but all come to repentance.  (II Peter 3:9)
That does not mean that God approves of  or overlooks unthankfulness or evil ways.  It does mean, however, that God does not have to respond in like in his dealings with men.  He is drawing from a different source – a higher source. 

So what about us?  Are we to follow the Lord’s example?  Of course we are!  We, too, do not have to render evil for evil.  We can choose to be Christ-like in our responses and yet not agree with sin. Samuel Johnson said, “Kindness is in our power even when fondness is not.”

Sometimes I find people think that if they are kind to their enemy then they are losing ground, or, if they show mercy/kindness then they are acting from a weak position.  This is not true.  Our choice to act in kindness will have two results.  First, it will bring conviction upon the evil one - Romans 12:20   And, it will keep us from a guilty conscience – Acts 24:16

I can choose to be kind even when I may not agree.  I can choose to be kind even when I am not seeking to be friendly.  Kindness should be a rule of life and tongue.

How kind are you?  How kind are your words?  When faced with difficult people, does your kindness wane?  Have you learned to disagree without being disagreeable?

KIND

“And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.”  Ephesians 4:32

This is a Gritts family verse.  Such verses are those I would regularly quote to my children to remind them of how they ought to be behaving.  I had one child who needed this reminder more often than others.  Kindness, tenderheartedness and ready forgiveness were traits this particular child needed to learn to apply.

Sometimes I think we believe that being kind is simply attuned to being nice, tolerant, and polite, and it is, but the definition is much deeper.  Our Lord was kind to the unthankful and to the evil in a way that fit and manageable, we are also called upon to move from just being nice, to actually being of use to those around us.

People need more than a measured niceness.  They need to see genuine care and concern.  Being kind means making a difference, actually showing compassion and being useful in the life of the other person.  Who needs a friend that is only nice on the surface?  Yea, what if Christ were only superficial in his kindness toward us?

We read in Psalm 117:2, “For his merciful kindness is great toward us…”  When you link merciful with kindness you get an even larger picture.  Just as mercy is unmerited, so is kindness.  Kindness isn’t based on merit, but on choice.  We choose to show kindness.  We are also, according to the phraseology of this verse, commanded to be kind – “…be ye kind one to another…”  So, while we are left with the choice, we are also under the expectation of obedience in this area.

I also like the side of this definition that describes being kind as manageable.  To me this means that we aren’t to be going around shoveling our kindness upon everyone in such a way as to be irritating.  I have met people whose kindness was simply unnecessary or uncalled for.  They seemed to be going out of their way to call attention to their own goodness.  This isn’t kindness.  It is attention seeking, self serving and manipulative.  It is also an indication that something is missing on the inside – a filter, if you will, as to when showing kindness is appropriate and useful.

Have you ever thought about your motives behind showing kindness?  Are you superficial in your kindness?  Are you obedient to the Lord’s example in your kindness?

KIND

 “Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up…”  I Corinthians 13:4

Interesting to note how the Lord used suffering and kindness in the same relation to love.  Suffering long does not generally produce kindness in us - irritation, short temper, frustration, yes, but kindness? Rarely!  The basic definition as used here means to show one’s self as mild, to be kind and use kindness.  This gives us the Bible response to enduring difficult people – mild responses and kind actions. 

I seem to be one of those magnets for difficult people.  I feel like they see me across the room and think, “Ah…someone who will listen to me, someone who will be interested in me, someone I can make a friend.”  Sadly, I can see them coming before they even speak. I know this is going to be a test of my patience.  They start their saga and I stand there listening and doing the usual hum’s and ah’s all the while feeling trapped and looking for an escape route.  Meanwhile, my mind is quoting verses about kindness and patience and I am under such a strain as to how to manage the situation and still show kindness.

Sometimes I can manage to get hold of the conversation and give them a measure of hope and care.  Sometimes I have to make excuse and end the conversation in order to walk away.  Either way, my response must be measured by kindness – a mild response, rather than an abrupt explosion – “Get out of my face!”

Don’t judge me too harshly.  Be honest, we have all been in that place where we felt trapped and it was hard to find the nice way out of the situation.  Sometimes I think we have to simply endure.  But that does not give us license to be unkind.  When we are pushed to our limits, there is never an excuse for unkindness.  Every response needs to be measured and given out of love and kindness – even when the truth hurts, it can be given with a kind word.

Do you struggle with remaining kind in the face of difficult people or hard circumstances?  Are you words and responses measured by kindness?  Or, does your patience wear thin and allow an explosion?

KIND

 “And they spake unto him, saying, If thou be kind to this people, and please them, and speak good words to them, they will be thy servants for ever.”  II Chronicles 10:7

This was the advice given to King Rehoboam as he ascended to the throne -If he wanted his subjects to follow him, then he needed to meet out kindness to them.  The elders were telling him that being good, pleasant and agreeable would give him the advantage and good will of the people.  It would bring him into higher esteem and secure his reign.  We know from the story that he chose to ignore this advice and began to rule with a heavy and unkind hand.  His reign was shortened.

This is a good example for all who are in leadership – in the home, church and business.  How we treat those who are under our care and direction directly relates to our success as a leader.  Tyrants do not create love and esteem from their followers.  They may get obedience and productivity, but they will not generate true loyalty and respect.  Conversely, leaders who lead with kindness, care, and genuine concern will create an atmosphere of love and respect.  They will have obedience and productivity accompanied with a happy home, a unified church and/or a good work environment.

It comes back to the Golden Rule – do unto others as you would have them do unto you.  If you as a leader want kind responses from those you are leading, then you must lead by example.  Ephesians 6:9 instructs and warns:  “And, ye masters, do the same things unto them, forbearing threatening, knowing that your Master also is in heaven; neither is there respect of persons with him.”

We will all give account of how we treated others, God holds us all equally accountable.  Just because we might be in a position of authority over other individuals does not mean that we are above God’s law.  Just as He instructed workers to obey, He reminds the leaders that they also have a Master, and obedience is required.

How are you measuring up as a leader?  As a parent, are you parenting with kindness?  As a church leader, are you leading by kindly example?  As a business leader, are you directing your business appropriately, according to God’s directives?  Are you kind or are you a tyrant?

KIND

“He gave of gold by weight for things of gold, for all instruments of all manner of service: silver also for all instruments of silver by weight, for all instruments of every kind of service.”  I Chronicles 28:14

The word, kind, is one of those words with several different usages.  Here it has nothing at all to do with demeanour, but is simply a definition of general description.  Since the word is used in a phrase the definition has to do also with the labour involved.  “Of every kind of service”…different instruments necessary for the use in the temple made by the labourers.  These workers were tasked with making the necessary instruments and Solomon provided the materials necessary.  Their job was to render their service to see that every kind of instrument was made.  
Every kind of thing necessary to create the temple was provided.  Every sort of worker, from the skilled to the simple manual labour was available.  God had even given Solomon the exact details of how each part should be built and decorated.  Some things were to be covered in gold, others in silver or brass.  It must have been an amazingly beautiful and lavish building.
Try to imagine the work involved in the building of these magnificent buildings when there were no computers, no advance machinery, and no health and safety laws!  I’ve seen movies that try to portray the work conditions and the amazing fetes of architectural prowess the people of this era accomplished.  It is astounding to think of them elevating huge boulders with only human strength and a few pulleys to the height of the pyramids.  And then to overlay huge statues with pure gold – we can’t even begin to afford such things today.
When we come back to the “every kind” side of our thought today, we have to say that God has everything in order.  Every kind of service is of value to him.  From the skilled worker to the manual labourer, God is involved.
Sometimes we think our place is life small, unrewarding or insignificant – mothers of young children, cleaners, unappreciated fathers and pastors, factory workers, etc.  No doubt some of the workers at the temple often felt the same.  Most of them were just slave labour.  Only a few were skilled craftsmen.  All of them were just doing what the king required.
Our King recognizes every service done unto him. In I Corinthians 15:58 we are reminded: “…your labour is not in vain in the Lord.” And in Proverbs 14:23:  “…In all labour there is profit…”

Every service – every kind of service – done as unto the Lord is valuable and significant.  Hebrews 6:10 also reminds us: “For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister.”

So, keep on serving.  Keep on doing whatever kind of service God has given you.  You never know how God is going to use you, but you can be sure He has a beautiful plan and values your work and labour of love.

Week Twenty-Three - Joy

JOY

“And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full.”  I John 1:4

Full of joy!  Because of the things written.  And what might that be?  It is the promise of eternal life and of fellowship with God and his Son Jesus Christ. (Verse 2, 3)  Joy comes from good fellowship.

There is nothing so heartwarming and fulfilling than good fellowship.  When we can sit with a good friend and talk, share and discuss life it has a positive effect on our attitude and outlook.  Knowing that someone else cares and is trying to understand our hurts, struggles and goals makes us feel loved.  We were made for fellowship.  We were made to have friends and to be a friend.  The joy that comes from a good friendship is lasting and abiding.

Our fellowship with the Lord should be the same.  It should bring us into a friendship with the Creator.  If our fellowship with him is correct it will bring us into joy and confidence.  It will become a place where we run to for help, but also, a place where we go to share our heart and pour out our thoughts.

We don’t have to be afraid to tell Him anything.  He will understand.  He will even be the kind of friend that will point out where we are going wrong.  But he will never condemn.  He will simply lead us to truth and then give us the power to put things right.

The more we fellowship with Him, the greater will be our joy.  Full joy – because we can have good fellowship.

Are you a good friend?  Do you have a good friend?  Are you in fellowship with your Lord?  A lack of joy is an indicator that there is a lack of good friendship/fellowship.

JOY

“I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.” 
III John 4

Isn’t it great when you hear good things about your children?  To have a good report from the teacher just lifts your spirits and gives you hope!  A bad report is totally disheartening.

Here in the book of Third John we have two people mentioned by name.  Gaius and Diotrephes. Gaius is described as a well-beloved elder.  Because of his walk in obedience and truth, John tells us in verse two that he is wishing prosperity and health for this man.  Diotrephes is described as malicious, proud and controlling.  John’s response toward this man is one of warning.  No doubt John was going to have to sort the issues with this man.  We read toward the end of this little book that he had more to say and would be coming to speak face to face.  Pretty serious prospect!

It is certain that our testimony goes before us.  We cannot escape that fact. If we are walking in truth our testimony will be one that rejoices the heart.  If we are walking in disobedience, our testimony will not bring joy, but heartache.  I don’t know about you, but I want my testimony to bring joy.  I want it to give life and a breath of fresh air to those who need the encouragement.  I don’t want to leave a poor testimony at any time.  Most of all, I want to have a good testimony with my Lord.  I want to hear that “Well, done…”

It won’t happen just because I want things that way.  It will come because I discipline myself to walk in truth, to make Biblical choices, and to live a life well-pleasing.

How about you?  Are you just hoping for a good testimony or consciously building one?  Are you a Gaius or a Diotrephes?  Does your life produce joy or heartache?

JOY

“…who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross…” 
Hebrews 12:2

The prospect of joy creates endurance. For our Lord, the prospect or promise of the fulfillment of all the joy He and the Father proposed for mankind and for the hosts of heaven lay on the other side of the cross.  The plan of the ages hung on this one act.  There would be no joy in heaven without it.

It is always marvelous to think about the fact that the cross was not the paramount focus of Christ.  It was only a tool that would catapult forward God’s plan.  As he went to the cross his focus was on what would be accomplished and the joy that would be known for eternity.  That is why he could be forgiving and kind through the awful ordeal. 

Sometimes we face awful ordeals as well.  Never as great in comparison to the cross, but for us in our human form, just as challenging.  The example of Christ gives us a healthy pattern for facing trials.  The ability to focus beyond the immediate and look to the benefit of the outcome gives us the endurance we need to make it through our trials and struggles.

Futurizing is what I call it.  It isn’t a real word – yet – but it means to have an attitude of looking beyond today.  To think about what you desire in the future and to make choices today that will enable your dreams to come true.  It creates endurance.  It gives trials meaning.  It gives hope. There is a future for all of us.  We need to be looking further down the road.

How about you?  Are you hung up in the immediate and failing to see what might be the outcome?  Are you willing to pay the price now to create joy in the future?  Do you have endurance?

JOY

“For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing…For ye are our glory and joy.”  I Thessalonians 2:19, 20

What made Paul rejoice?  It was the believers in Thessalonica.  He had observed their works of faith, labour of love and patience of hope as he records in verse three of chapter one.  He knew the suffering they had endured for the name of Christ and he longed to come and visit them, but he had been hindered.  So he wrote them this letter we now call First Thessalonians.

His emotions penetrate these verses. He is like a proud father toward these people seeing them as a crown upon his head.  Joy is his outward emotion and the core of his deepest love for them.

Having the privilege of being a missionary and being involved in church planting gives the same emotions.  As I see new ones coming to Christ I rejoice.  As I see the maturing ones taking steps of faith, I rejoice.  As I see the more mature ones discipling their fellow brothers and sisters and then taking the lead of the church, I rejoice.

The fulfillment of ministry brings a deep joy, confirmation, and satisfaction. It also produces wonderment and gratefulness at the evidence that God has actually used ones life to influence others for Christ and to bring glory to His name.

Do you know that type of joy?  Is your life being used of God to create something bigger than yourself?

JOY

“But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy…”  Acts 20:24

Paul had just been sharing his heart with the elders of the church at Ephesus.  He was ready to head toward Jerusalem, not knowing what might happen there.  His attitude was not one of carelessness, but of determination.  He had faced confrontation before. It was not doing to deter him now.  He had a ministry to fulfill.  He wanted to complete it with the knowledge that he had done what had been appointed unto him.

I see three important traits that can be incorporated into our lives to create joy.  First, we must determine that the circumstances around us will not move us from our goal.  Second, we must not deem our own lives more important than the goal.  Third, we must finish.  We must see things through to their end.  Then, we will experience real joy.

This three-point formula can be applied to many avenues in life – marriage, parenting, education and ministry.  For example, in marriage we cannot let the happenings of life separate us.  We cannot have joy in marriage if we think we are the most important factor.  And, we must stay with the commitment – til death do us part – to know the depth of joy that can be ours in marriage.

In parenting also, we have to hold fast.  We cannot let the temper-tantrums of the three-year-old cause us to give up on discipline.  We must not be self-seeking, but willing to sacrifice for the benefit of the child.  And we must stick with it.  The joy of parenting is the finished product – a self-sufficient, upright citizen!

I think you get the idea.  Education and ministry also require us to be consistent, to sacrifice, and to see things through to the end.  Getting sidetracked along the way will not produce real and lasting joy.

Have you gotten sidetracked in your marriage?  Your parenting?  Your education or ministry?  There is no time like the present to re-establish your goals so that you, too, can finish your course with joy.

Week Twenty -Two - Integrity

INTEGRITY

“The LORD shall judge the people: judge me, O LORD, according to my righteousness, and according to mine integrity that is in me.”  Psalm 7:8

“….according to mine integrity that is in me.”  The Bible definition is: completeness, fullness, innocence, and simplicity.  The Psalmist is asking the Lord to judge him according to the integrity that he possesses. A deeper look into the definition will help us to define the character quality of integrity. 
One dictionary put it this way: “possession of firm principles: the quality of possessing and steadfastly adhering to high moral principles or professional standards.  Completeness: the state of being complete or undivided. Wholeness: the state of being sound or undamaged.”
Another said, “Integrity comes from the Greek words 'integritas' and 'integra' meaning whole. It enters into every aspect of one's life. It is a belief system without faltering, no matter how dangerous it is or how unpopular it is with others. It includes: sincerity, keeping one's word and agreements, honesty, truthfulness, ethics, fairness and justice.”
These definitions give a wide scope to the facets of this quality.  In so doing, they reveal the depth and width of the expectation of those who claim to have integrity.  It is truly a quality rare and valuable.
Several years ago I was challenged to initiate a practice in my life of taking a Bible principle and asking the Lord to teach me not only the meaning, but to also teach me how to implement it into my life.  Integrity was one such study.  I found that not only did the Lord open my mind to the various nuances of the word, but He took time to challenge me personally by bringing circumstances into my life that forced me to choose between responding in integrity and responding with lesser character.  Sometimes it was as simple as telling the truth.  Sometimes it was honesty in business decisions.  Other times I found myself faced with having to take a Biblical stand in public.  Over and over the Lord brought situations before me that made me consider integrity and allowed me to see my own weaknesses.  I have never forgotten those weeks of study.  Even today I can remember the feelings of fear and anxiety as I was being forced to speak up and stand up for right.
I challenge you to do the same.  Just as the Psalmist is opening his life for the Lord’s examination, you, too, must ask yourself – how would I measure up if I stood before the Lord to be judged according to my integrity?  Will you take up the challenge?

INTEGRITY

	“And as for me, thou upholdest me in mine integrity, and settest me before thy face for ever.”   Psalm 41:12

“…upholdest me in mine integrity…”  Integrity creates position, which is a type of protector and defense.  It is a boundary that gives security and upholds the individual.  For example, in computer language, integrity of information is about how to deal with security and reliability of the data in the system.  Solid security measures mean that the data will be retained safely until needed.  Integrity thereby creates a security and confidence.

There is much to be said about the knowledge that you have done right and are going right - no guilt, no accusing thoughts, just solid assurance and solid stance.  The old adage of “having your ducks all in a row” would apply here.  A person of integrity is prepared.  He has a contingency plan and his personal business is secure.

This type of lifestyle is admirable and desirable.  However, take time to look again at the verse.  Ask yourself this question – Is this person’s base in his own works of integrity or somewhere else?  I think you will find that though the Psalmist is doing his part in living and ordering his life in integrity, he is living his life before the Lord and basing his life upon the Lord to hold him up.  He isn’t living proudly and self-sufficiently, but rather, humbly and honestly with His God.

There is no place for pride and an air of self-sufficiency in integrity.  The sense of place created by integrity is one of humility and dependency.  It draws men and gives opportunity to point them to Christ and not ourselves. 

Are you guilty of thinking that you are a “self-made” person?  Do you think that you have gotten to where you are by your own smarts?  Integrity means admitting that we are but stewards responsible to God’s authority.

INTEGRITY

“So he fed them according to the integrity of his heart; and guided them by the skillfulness of his hands.”  Psalm 78:72

God, knowing the rebellious heart of Israel, still fed and guided them.  With skill and integrity He proved himself to be a loving and merciful God. 

He is a God of integrity.  He is true to His Word.  He does not change simply because the situation gets difficult.  He maintains his principles and keeps his promises.  His heart is secure and trustworthy.  He is fair and ethical and does not alter.  His Word is settled, and we can depend upon Him.

We can trust Him fully.  We do not have to wonder what He is up to.  We do not have to fear that tomorrow we might be disowned.  We do not have to be ashamed or make excuses for Him.  He is the same yesterday, today and forever – wholly dependable. And, he isn’t afraid for us to examine him.  Conversely, he challenges us to prove Him – to put him to the test.  He will always come through with flying colours!

Integrity, therefore, is a godlike quality.  It is also the character of Christ as we read in II Peter 21-23 “because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:  Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth:  Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously…”
If even the Saviour of glory lived in integrity and then entrusted himself to the integrity of God the Father, why should we not even more so? 

INTEGRITY

Job makes for an interesting study in integrity.  Poor old Job was tested beyond measure, but the thing he clung to was his integrity. 

“And the LORD said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and and upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil?  And still he holdeth fast his integrity, although thou movedst me against him, to destroy him without cause.”  Job 2:3 “…holdeth fast his integrity…”  In the face of great trial, instead of letting go of his religion and cursing God, Job holds it faster than ever. "Still he holds fast his integrity, as his weapon, and thou canst not disarm him-as his treasure, and thou canst not rob him of that; nay, thy endeavours to do it make him hold it the faster; instead of losing ground by the temptation, he gets ground. Constancy crowns integrity.  (Matthew Henry) I love that – “instead of losing ground by the temptation, he gets ground.”  Integrity gives Job endurance and hope.

“Then said his wife unto him, Dost thou still retain thine integrity?  Curse God, and die.”  Job 2:9  

Integrity means maintaining your good name and character. It is having values, being consistent with your values -- not wavering due to outside influences, but standing strong in how one should live and believe. It is always doing the right thing even when you know no one else is looking, or in Job’s case, no one else is supporting you.  How sad that his wife was not of the same calibre. Distress and loss had brought her to abandoning her faith and her God.  Job, on the other hand, stood firm in His resolve saying, “Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him.”  Job 13:15 and “….till I die I will not remove mine integrity from me.”  Job 27:5

Let’s make a note here.  There is a difference between integrity and stubbornness.  Integrity is based in principle and belief.  Stubbornness is based in self and rebellion.  Job is not stubborn, but he is principled.  He is not rebellious, but totally submitted to God’s righteous judgment of the situation.  He knows that staying where God has placed him, though it is a hard spot, is the place to be.  It is the place where God will bless and honour, and the place where Job can be best used to bring God glory. 

Finally he says, “Let me be weighed in an even balance, that God may know mine integrity.”  Job 31:6 

Hard times test what is really in our core. They can either strengthen our resolve, or crack our façade.  Job was willing to allow God to test him.  What about you?  Are you willing to allow God to check out your level of integrity? Do hard times create strength in you or do they cause you to crumble?  Are you willing to go through confusingly hard times solely for the glory of God?

INTEGRITY

Let’s look at three more verses in Proverbs on integrity before we finish.

“The integrity of the upright shall guide them: but the perverseness of transgressors shall destroy them.”  Proverbs 11:3

Integrity gives direction to life.  It refers to wholeness, a person whose thoughts, words, and actions are congruent, and therefore not in conflict, a life of harmony, lived according to conviction. Some would contend that these convictions are completely individual and vary widely from person to person.  That is relativism, a thought that pervades our society.  But, this would mean that even selfish or cowardly people could be said to have integrity. However, worthy convictions are based upon ultimate truth – the truth found in God’s Word. Integrity, then, is a “life in which thoughts, words, and actions are congruent and conform to ethical principles.”

When we live by truth and understand the true value of right decisions based upon truth, we have a solid guide for life.

“Better is the poor that walketh in his integrity, than he that is perverse in his lips, and is a fool.”  Proverbs 19:1

Integrity gives dignity and is free.  The poor man and the rich man can have a basis for agreement and an expectation of blessing as they both live according to Biblical truth.  The truths of Scripture, if applied to our lives, will create an atmosphere of compassionate concern, honest living, personal confidence, and strength of character, no matter our social level. 

The Golden Rule, for example, is instructing us to take into account the dignity of another person, treating them as we would want to be treated. The Bible is full of such straight forward instruction on the treatment of others, the expectation of God, and the comparisons between right and wrong, as we see in Proverbs, which help us to not only make decisions, but also understand the outcome of our decisions.

Exercising sound judgment is the ultimate skill of life and that is not determined by our bank balance, but rather by our understanding and application of the Word of God.  The person of integrity will be found doing the right thing, in the right way, at the right time, and for the right reason.

Conversely, those who choose not to integrate Scriptural directives into their lives will always find that they are living a disordered and complex life full of foolish hurts.  They will remain focused on the temporary instead of the eternal and find little satisfaction in life.  Integrity will elude them.

“The just man walketh in his integrity: his children are blessed after him.”  Proverbs 20:7

And, finally, integrity brings blessing, not only for the person so attuned, but also for his heritage.  His family will be blessed.  They will have a solid, peaceful and secure home life and will take the teachings of that home into their own.  Let me give you two examples that show us how important it is for us to live a life of integrity.  My grandfather pointed this out to me years ago.

Jonathan Edwards was a great preacher of years gone by, he was known as a man of great integrity.  “Edwards's descendants have had a disproportionate effect upon American culture: his biographer, George Marsden, notes that "the Edwards family produced scores of clergymen, thirteen presidents of higher learning, sixty-five professors, and many other persons of notable achievements”.  Throughout the generations his offspring are found in places of prominence and the blessing of God is upon his family.

Joe Kennedy was believed to be a bootlegger during the prohibition and made his fortune on insider trading and stock manipulation. Throughout the generations his offspring, due to wealth and influence, are also found in places of prominence, but we do not see the blessing of God upon his family, but rather the judgment of God. 

The blessing of God is upon those who follow His Word.  It is as simple as that.  A person of integrity knows this to be true and is comfortable with the fact that obedience brings blessing.  Honouring God creates a platform for God to honour you, and not only you, but ultimately also your family.