READING: 2 Kings 11-13
Over and over again, I tell guys I mentor that “integrity matters.” Particularly for those of us whose ministry is based on our word (that is, so much of what we do is founded on what we say and teach), the integrity of our heart is significant. If others can’t trust our words, we have undercut the effectiveness of our work.
I think about that truth as I read about those who distributed funds in Joash’s day when the people gave offerings for repairing the temple. In just a single verse that describes these men, the Word of God tells us, “No accounting was required from the men who received the silver to pay those doing the work, since they worked with integrity” (2 Kgs 12:15). It’s likely the workmen were chosen because they had already shown great integrity, but their faithful oversight of funds—a responsibility that too often has led men to temptation and a fall—was still evidence of their honesty. Even if we debate whether accounting should have still been required even of men filled with integrity, we cannot miss this picture of their truthfulness.
May each of us be so filled with integrity today that calling for an accounting of our words or actions seems unnecessary!
PERSONAL REFLECTION: As you know yourself, is your life marked by integrity?
DAILY PRAYER: “Help me, God, to be faithful, honest, and trustworthy today. In Jesus’ name.”
TOMORROW’S READING: 2 Kings 14-16