Psalm 18:25-26 (NIV)
25 To the faithful you show yourself faithful,
to the
blameless you show yourself blameless,
26 to the pure you show yourself pure,
but to the
devious you show yourself shrewd.
In his autobiography Days of Grace (Random House Audio,
1993), tennis great Arthur Ashe relates a defining incident that occurred when
he was 17 years old. He was playing in a tournament in West Virginia. As was
often the case, he was the only contestant of color in the tournament.
One night, some of the kids trashed a cabin. They
absolutely destroyed it and then decided to say that Arthur was responsible.
The incident was reported in the newspapers; Arthur denied his involvement, but
the boys would not change their story. The worst part for Arthur was worrying
about what his father would say and do. He eventually made the dreaded phone
call.
As he surmised, his father had already learned of the
vandalism. His father's tone was grim. He asked Arthur only one question.
"Arthur Junior," he asked, "all I want to know is...were you
mixed up in that mess?"
Arthur answered, "No, Daddy, I wasn't." His
father never asked about it again. Arthur learned that day why he had always
been encouraged to tell the truth. There would come a time when he must be
believed, and this was such a time. Because he had already earned his trust and
respect, he knew his father believed him. From that day on he was determined,
above all else, to live a life of integrity.
Unfortunately, we find notable examples of modern leaders
in every field who give low priority to personal integrity. But we do not need
saints - we need people like you. People who will be known for their integrity.
People who will determine to be their best selves. People who daily earn the
trust and respect of others, regardless of their age or station in life. People
who insist on the importance of character.
Our world does not need another saint. But it needs you.
Dear Lord, we pray that we would be people of integrity today. Help us be the best people we can be so those
around us can trust us. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
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