If you have integrity

In this disrupted world climate people have changed. Honesty and integrity are almost forgotten values. The confidence has disappeared.

Crime and violence are a worldwide phenomenon.
„Probity or integrity have been well defined as „moral uprightness; honesty.” A sound person is reliably and not corruptible by people or able to be tempted by wrong matters. Probity does not mean natural perfection, but it indicates on a fundamental quality in someone. In our world of becoming rich quickly sometimes integrity can be considered as an obstacle instead of as a virtue.

But in this time all ranks and social order become damaged by or loss of integrity.

In spite of the world-wide reverse gear in criteria in the field of honesty certain people attach still value to integrity. To do what we have promised, is one way to show love for god and our people and to commission people who love justice. - Matthew 22:36 - 39; Romans 15:2.

As Christians we hear to be followers of the master Jesus Christ. Of all students it is required that they stick to a code of conduct which corresponds to what is usually expected in a community or family where the emphasis is laid on courtesy, politeness, regard for parents and the elderly, cooperation, tolerance, friendliness, honesty and integrity. We must work at our self, at our own person-like-driven so that nobody must doubt our person and so that we can win also the confidence of others. How more people follow the way of God, how more that sound people of integrity will populate the world.

Wouldn't you like to live gladly in a world in which everyone displayed moral qualities of integrity, love, allegiance, unselfishness and with interest for people? That is decidedly the type of world which you wish! Absolutely no human dominator is ever able to bring that about. Only Jehovah God can make that possible. And he will do it, because His new world is no unreal air castle. - Psalm 85:10, 11.

Marcus Ampe

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"If you have integrity, nothing else matters. If you don't have integrity, nothing else matters. Alan Simpson, former U.S. Senator.

This statement makes a very strong case for integrity. What does the Bible have to say on the subject?

When God spoke to King Solomon on the occasion of the dedication of the temple, He said, "As for you, if you walk before me in integrity of heart and uprightness, as David your father did, and do all I command and observe my decrees and laws, I will establish your royal throne over Israel forever, as I promised David your father when I said, 'You shall never fail to have a man on the throne of Israel.' But if you or your sons turn away from me and do not observe the commands and decrees I have given you and go off to serve other gods and worship them, then I will cut off Israel from the land I have given them and will reject this temple I have consecrated for my Name. Israel will then become a byword and an object of ridicule among all peoples."

God makes it clear that the keeping of His commandments is the essence of integrity. The high principles, honesty and good character manifested by a man of integrity come from adherence to divine principles. In Solomon's case, he had committed himself to serving God, and the keeping of God's law was an integral part of that commitment.

We don't have to read very much more to find out that Solomon did not walk in integrity of heart all the days of his life as did his father David, and, as a result, the kingdom was divided. Eventually Israel did become a byword and an object of ridicule. Why? Lack of integrity is the answer. A man of integrity honors his commitments.

David knew the value of integrity. Just before he died he went all-out to help prepare for the temple he wanted to build, but God had refused him permission, saying, "No, your son will build it instead." David, rather than being a poor sport, said to God, "I know, my God, that you test the heart and are pleased with integrity. All these things have I given willingly and with honest intent. And now I have seen with joy how willingly your people who are here have given to you. O LORD, God of our fathers Abraham, Isaac and Israel, keep this desire in the hearts of your people forever, and keep their hearts loyal to you. And give my son Solomon the wholehearted devotion to keep your commands, requirements and decrees and to do everything to build the palatial structure for which I have provided."

David was correct. God does test our hearts and He is pleased with integrity. Integrity implies willingly doing the right thing no matter what the cost or what we may prefer. David put aside what he would have liked to have done and wholeheartedly supported a plan that was not of his choice and would give the prestige for building the temple to someone else.

Integrity is a quality you cannot fake. There really is no such thing as insincere integrity. If it is insincere then it is not integrity. We need to ask ourselves, Do we have integrity? That is a critical question. We cannot fake it. Solomon who once had it but lost it gives us good advice on the subject: "The integrity of the upright guides them, but the unfaithful are destroyed by their duplicity." "Righteousness guards the man of integrity, but wickedness overthrows the sinner." "The man of integrity walks securely, but he who takes crooked paths will be found out."

Let us then walk with integrity. The benefits of integrity are many, both now and in the future. The Psalmist said as he spoke to God, "May integrity and uprightness protect me, because my hope is in you."

Paul gave good advice to Titus when he said, "In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness" A person of integrity is respected, offering a good example for others to follow.

Let us say with the Psalmist, "But as for me, I will walk in mine integrity: redeem me, and be merciful unto me." God will respond as David knew he would when David said, "Judge me, O LORD, according to my righteousness, according to my integrity, O Most High.""

- Brother Robert Lloyd
Integrity - Minute Meditations

Dutch version / Nederlandse versie > Als u integriteit hebt

A small company of Jesus' footstep follower

We must see that the Church is a comparatively small company of Jesus' footstep followers, irrespective of sectarian lines; and that the Bible teaches not that these are to look over the battlements of Heaven to all eternity and see all others in torment, but that they are to demonstrate their loyalty unto death and in due time be associated with Messiah in His Millennial Kingdom, which will bless all the families of the earth-the living and the dead, who will then be resurrected.

 - Charles Taze Russell

Followers with deepening

“On the other hand, the Pneuma’s fruitage is–compassionate affection, contented joy, peaceful harmony and tranquility, patient tolerance, loving kindness, moral virtue and goodness, trusting faithfulness,” (Galatians 5:22 MHM)
“Because of this Jesus told his disciples: “If anyone wishes to follow me they must disown ‘self’, heft a personal cross, and then keep following me constantly.” (Matthew 16:24 MHM)

“However, every person who is a contestant must exercise self-control in everything. These run so that they might receive a corruptible crown. We run so that we might receive an incorruptible crown. So I am not running without purpose. I am not boxing at empty air. But rather, I beat my forehead black and blue and lead my body as a slave so that, somehow, having preached to others, I become the very person disapproved.” (1 Corinthians 9:25-27 MHM)

“For we are not daring to rank ourselves, or equate ourselves, with some who recommend themselves. But they–in measuring themselves with their own standards, and comparing themselves by a self-evaluation–are without understanding.” (2 Corinthians 10:12 MHM)

“Having rejected irreverence and worldly desires He is instructing us to live in soundness of mind and righteousness and reverence during this present period of time. We continue to await that blessed hope of the glorious Appearing of the great God and our Savior, Jesus Christ.” (Titus 2:12-13 MHM)


““But let the person boasting, boast in YHWH.” Because, the person approved is not the one who recommends himself, but rather the one the Supreme Being recommends.” (2 Corinthians 10:17-18 MHM)

“Until we all might attain the oneness of the faith and an elevated knowing of the Son of The God. This results in attaining perfect manhood unto the measure of stature of the fullness of Christ.” (Ephesians 4:13 MHM)

“But rather, maintaining honest love keep growing into him in everything. He is the one who is the head, Christ.” (Ephesians 4:15 MHM)

“Also, do not keep getting drunk with wine–a course filled with wastefulness and riotous excess. Instead continue to be filled spiritually.” (Ephesians 5:18 MHM)

“So, then, let us not continue to sleep. But rather, let us stay awake and remain sober.” (1 Thessalonians 5:6 MHM)

“For the ground produces by itself: first the blade, then the stalk, and finally the full head of grain.” (Mark 4:28 MHM)

“All of these are mere shadows of future things, but the framework belongs to Christ. So do not allow anyone deprive you of the Prize–those who insist on self-mortification and angel worship–‘taking his stand on his own visions’ –puffed up by vanity in his fleshly mind, and no longer clinging to the Head, from whom the entire Body is bonded together by means of its joints and ligaments–nourished and unified–and continuing to grow with the growth of God.” (Colossians 2:17-19 MHM)

“And so, beloved, in awaiting these things hurry to become spotless and unblemished, found with Him in peace,” (2 Peter 3:14 MHM)

Dutch version / Nederlandse versie > Volgelingen met de vrucht van verdieping

2013 update:

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Attitude to others important for reaching them

How others are and how we behave in society is very important for others to approach and even more to be able to reach and to convince them.
The better our values are the easier we shall be able to have a good attitude. The right ethic has to be borne by us first.
At the Baptist conference this month, the love for the other made part of the talks, though the SBC Executive Committee recommended the next day to toss a church out of the SBC.
But that love aspect should be considered. The onlooker accessed by goodness, meekness and responsiveness.
We can attract people to our churches when we as Christians and church members act like followers of Christ.

Read more > Love for each other attracting others

Love and cultivate that which is pure

Whatsoever things are pure, lovely, and of good report, … think on these things.  Philippians 4:8

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WE are to love and cultivate that which is pure to such an extent that that which is impure will become painful to us, distressing, and we will desire to drop it from memory, and this will only be accomplished by continually thinking upon those things that are pure, and avoiding the giving of thought to the things that are impure. We are to recognize true loveliness, and to esteem it. When we would think on the purest of things we must of necessity lift our mental vision to as high a point as possible, and, as nearly as we may be able, discern the loveliness of the perfect character of our God and of our Lord Jesus Christ, and proportionately the loveliness manifested in one or another of the followers of Jesus, who walk closely in His footsteps.  (Z. 1903-9)

Even in tough times remembering the blessings

"Even when you are experiencing tough times,
remember the blessings in your life.
It’s like sprinkling sunshine on a cloudy day."
- Alice Gray

"When you reach the end of your rope you will find the hem of His garment."
- Unknown

"Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and
admonish one another with all wisdom,
and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs
with gratitude in your hearts to God."
Colossians 3:16

"And suddenly, a woman who had a flow of blood for twelve years came from behind
and touched the hem of His garment; for she said to herself,
'If only I may touch His garment, I shall be made well.'
But Jesus turned around, and when He saw her He said,
'Be of good cheer, daughter; your faith has made you well.'
And the woman was made well from that hour."
Matthew 9:20-22

Reading the New Testament, let the words of Jesus inspire me
and let me be touched by his spirit.
God let me be a worthy follower of Jesus Christ
and let me look at the life on the bright site.
I am thankful for the blessings I am able to receive.

Dutch version / Nederlands > Herinner vele zegeningen ook in moeilijke tijden

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2015 adding:

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Why did Christ not reveal the exact time of his second coming?

SOMETHING TO CHEW ON

Why did Christ not reveal the exact time of his second coming? We may find the answer to this question in three places, the first of which, though not the most reliable, is simple logic. We are Christians, but at the same time we are human beings and it is our tendency to procrastinate when we feel that this can be done without great loss or damage. God is the Creator. He made us. He knows us better than we know ourselves, and He knows that many of His followers would put off the needful preparation until the last minute if they knew exactly when Christ is coming. The danger inherent in this course of action is abundantly clear, for in our weak, human nature this would be too great a temptation for many of us.

  In his instruction, Christ made it very clear that one of the reasons his followers should watch and be alert is the fact that they do not know the hour when their Lord will come. To impress this on the minds of his disciples, Christ gave the illustration of the householder and the thief. “But know this, that if the goodman of the house had known in what watch the thief would come, he would not have suffered his house to be broken up” (Matt. 24:43).

  In one respect, there is a great difference between the coming of the thief and the coming of Christ. The thief hopes that the householder will be unprepared. Our Lord desires us to be watching and ready for his appearing. “Therefore be ready: for in such an hour as you think not the Son of man comes.” It is hardly possible to be alert and ready at all times for the appearance of a thief. It is possible however, to always be ready for the coming of the Saviour, and this is what Christ has commanded. It is his desire that his followers be ready at all times - not because they are fearful, not because they dread his appearing, not just because he has a reward for them, but because they love him and wish to be with him.

  We are not to know the definite time for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit in the last days or for the coming of Christ. The times and the seasons God has put in His own power. Why has He not given us this knowledge? because we would not make a right use of it if He did. A condition of things would result from this knowledge among us that would greatly retard the work of God in preparing a people to stand in the great day that is to come. We are not to be engrossed with speculations in regard to the times and the seasons which God has not revealed. Jesus has told his disciples to “watch,” but not for definite time. His followers are to be in the position of those who are listening for the orders of their Captain; they are to watch, wait, pray, and work, as they approach the time for the coming of the Lord; but no one will be able to predict just when that time will come; “for of that day and hour knoweth no man.” We will not be able to say that he will come in one, two, or five years, neither are we to put off his coming by stating that it may not be for many years.

  Now let us look at our third proposition, the reason why the Lord has not already come and why we are not already in his  kingdom.

  Christ spoke to his disciples of two servants. One he called a faithful and wise servant. The other was characterized as an evil servant. The faithful servant was following his master’s instructions. He was doing the work that had been committed to him. Of the other servant Christ said, “But and if that evil servant shall say in his heart, My Lord delays his coming; and shall begin to smite his fellow servants, and to eat and drink with the drunken; the lord of that servant shall come in a day when he looks not for him, and in an hour that he is not aware of, and shall cut him asunder, and appoint him his portion with the hypocrites: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth” (Matt. 24:48-51).

  What is the sin of the evil servant? Certainly it was wrong for him to smite his fellow servants and to eat and drink with the drunken. But these were the results of his downfall, not the cause. The greatest sin of the evil servant was the disregard of his master’s desires and commands; the inclination to do what was pleasing to himself on the theory that the master would not return soon and that there would be time to change his course of action before he returned. Notice that the evil servant did not proclaim to his fellow servants that the coming of his lord was delayed. This he said in his heart. This was his philosophy and his motivation, but he kept it covered up as much as possible. The inference is strong that this servant was a hypocrite. He pretended to be that which he was not.

  It is easy to see the sins of the evil servant. Perhaps it is not so easy to apply the lesson in the 21st century. Let us ponder the words of the servant of the Lord as we consider the reasons why our Saviour has not already returned to this earth to take up his kingdom. Had the purpose of God been carried out by His people in giving to the world the message of mercy, Christ, because of this, may have possibly come to the earth by now, and the saints would have received their welcome into the city of God.

  Perhaps the most important question that any Christian can ask himself is this: Am I ready for the Lord to come? If your answer, or my answer, to that question is not an unqualified yes, then there is no time to lose. God wants us in His kingdom. This is why He was willing to send His Son to die on Calvary. Too many of us may be like the boy who wanted to live with Jesus - but not just yet! As the story has it, two farmer lads walking barefoot on the dusty road met the new minister. Thinking to give them some food for thought, the minister greeted them and then asked, “Do you boys want to go and live with Jesus?” One answered in the affirmative, but the other dug his toe in the soft sand and shook his head. “You really don’t want to go and live with Jesus?” the minister inquired with a tone of disbelief. “No, sir.” “Do you mean to tell me you want to die and not be raised to live forever with Jesus?” “Oh no!” said the lad “I didn’t know you were talking about when I die. I thought you were making up a load to go to him today.”

  We may smile at this simple story, but we should be sure that our own experience and attitude could not be described in a similar, though more sophisticated, manner.

  Perhaps the second most important question that the Christian can ask himself is this: What am I doing to hasten the coming of the Lord? Were all who profess His name bearing fruit to His glory, how quickly the world would be sown with the seed of the gospel and God’s number would be made up. Watching, waiting, and working - this is what God expects of us in these last moments of earth’s history. We should be “looking eagerly for the coming of the Day of the Lord” (2 Peter 3:12).

 John Aldersly