As we work God is always looking for integrity of heart. One thing you can be sure of is God is always raising the bar. The higher the stakes—level of responsibility He calls us to—the more integrity God seeks to test and cultivate.
RELEVANCE
Abraham’s story includes a time when there was a famine in the land. So Abraham went to Egypt. On the way to Egypt, he suspected the Egyptians would be enamored with his wife’s beauty, be jealous of him and kill him. So, in an effort to save his life, he told his wife to say she was his sister.
Sure enough, the princes of Egypt told Pharaoh about Sarah, and took her to him. For her sake, he treated Abraham well. However, plagues broke out in Pharaoh’s house. The truth came out. Enraged at Abraham over the situation, Pharaoh sent them away. Sarah was spared of violation, and Abraham was spared of death. They experienced the grace of God.
This same test, however, came around again years later. This time Abraham had journeyed to a place called Gerar. Again, he said Sarah was his sister. King Abimelech sent for her and took her. In a dream, however, God revealed to Abimelech that she was married. So, Abimelech summoned Abraham. After a series of excuses, he finally confessed. They were released, and given a thousand pieces of silver. Once again, God had extended grace; and even threw in a blessing!
Abraham finally learned the cost of compromise and value of integrity. He learned to value God’s gifts and purposes. He finally valued the land of promise, and his wife as precious. They were then able to conceive and bear Isaac.
REFLECT AND RELATE
How do you examine your heart as you conduct your work?
What standard do you use to determine your code of ethics?
In a world that constantly challenges our integrity and begs compromise, How do you determine the extent to which you are willing to hold fast to God’s Word or compromise—even just a little?
REFERENCES
Psalm 26:1-12; Proverbs 10:9