The Integrity of a Man (or Woman)

While at a School of Pastoral Nurture last week, we listened to a presentation from the CFO of Church on the Way.  He talked about the quality of integrity in the servants of the Lord, and told a story or two to illustrate.

Near the end of the presentation, one of the pastors had a confession to make.  He told us that during the previous evening he had “nicked” a certain parked car while trying to parallel park his own car in front of the house we were meeting in.  While listening to the CFO’s presentation, he was convicted that he needed to confess what he had done, and hidden.  He told us all what he had done. 

I thank God that this pastor responded to the conviction of the Holy Spirit, and obediently confessed before his group of brothers.  What this showed me was that his heart is tender towards the Lord.  While he should have revealed the “nick” at the time of the occurrence, his posture of humility and obedience to God would not let him continue to hide the infraction, as minor as it may be.

A hard heart hides the “nicks.”  A tender heart is moved easily by the Spirit of the Lord, and makes amends.

God wants us to live a holy life.  He wants us to have nothing holding on to us that our flesh or the enemy can use to bring shame to ourselves or to the cause of Christ.  He wants us to be free. 

How wonderful it is to live free!