30/05/2023
*RHEMA FOR LIVING*
OFM DAILY DEVOTIONAL APOSTLE PROF. JOHNSON-SULEMAN
*TUESDAY 30TH MAY, 2023*
*BIBLE READING* : Job 13-15
*TOPIC: UPHOLD INTEGRITY*
*TEXT* : "And Samuel grew, and the LORD was with him, and did let none of his words fall to the ground." *1 Sam. 3:19*
The issue of integrity in the body of Christ calls for concern. Believers who are the light of the world should be examples of integrity to the world and not the other way round. The word of a believer should be his bond, he should be accountable for it. When I hear people say, "I prefer to do business with an unbeliever than a Christian, it pains my heart because it is absurd; it is an upside down arrangement. Rather if they are looking for men to place in top positions, in the society, they should seek for believers to occupy them because of their integrity.
We read of Joseph, and mention him often because of his integrity. He made tremendous impact in life of his master Potiphar, in the prison, and in the palace. He affected the life of Pharaoh and the entire Egypt positively. His fear for God was evident in all his dealings with people. What of Daniel and his friends Shedrach, Meshach and Abenego, from the way they held on to their principles in pleasing the Almighty God in the midst of the threat of death before them, you can tell that they men of integrity.
As disclosed in our anchor text, God did not allow any word of Samuel to fall to the ground; He honoured all. Why? It was because he was a man of integrity. In 1 Samuel 12:3 see his words before the entire congregation of the people of Israel, "Behold, here I am: witness against me before the LORD, and before his anointed: whose ox have I taken? or whose as have I taken? or of whose hand have I received any bribe to blind mine eyes therewith? and I will restore it to you". Can you stand and declare such to people?
*Prayer* :
My Father! My Father! As I begin to pray, help me to uphold integrity.