June 2
Proverbs 20:1-22:16
When we seek God's counsel, which is more reflective of how we approach Him: "Lord, whatever You say, I'll do", or, "Lord, give me Your thoughts and opinions; I'll factor them into my decision, and I'll decide whether I'll follow Your counsel or not"? When it is stated this way, of course we know what the right answer should be, but in reality which is the direction that we take? Integrity is defined as, "An unimpaired condition or soundness, adherence to a code of moral values, and the quality or state of being complete and undivided." Walking in integrity means your decisions and actions will be sound and honest, whether or not they are easy or difficult. If we seek God's counsel and follow it, we will find peace even in the midst of chaos. Realize God's counsel and the world's counsel are often at odds with one another. Concerning the recent vaccine, many are scared to death and couldn't wait to line up and receive it. But countless others, though they have no peace about taking it, even feel that God is leading them not to take it, choose to receive it due to pressures at work, being required at colleges, so that they don't get others sick, to be able to travel, etc. I'm not stating that taking the vaccine or not is a moral decision, but when you seek God's counsel, then choose another course, peace is not going to be the result. God has given His counsel on every moral issue such as proper sexual relationships, work ethics, how to carry oneself in conversations, gossiping, just to name a few. Those who walk closely with God, know His code of moral values, and also know when we are following them or rationalizing why our situation is somehow unique, justifying our position apart from God's perfect standards.
We read in Proverbs 20:7, "The godly walk with integrity; blessed are their children who follow them." We can say and teach our children all the right things, but they are also excellent observers. They will see if we are living lives of integrity when the rest of the world might not notice. This walk of integrity will do much in the shaping of our children. We read in 20:23, "The Lord detests double standards; he is not pleased by dishonest scales." When we walk in integrity, we adhere to only one standard, God's, and this will be the measure used in all transactions both at work and personally. Though sin might seem like fun. Though it often can be rationalized by thinking no one will be hurt, or everyone else is doing it, in reality, sin stinks, plain and simple. Sin ruins, erodes, robs joy, etc. We read in Proverbs 21:21, "Whoever pursues righteousness and unfailing love will find life, righteousness, and honor." In a similar fashion, Jesus stated in Matthew 6:33, "Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need."
If you spend time in God's word, then you often know God's counsel. So we must decide when we approach God in prayer and seek Him, are we trying to align our will with His will, or are we trying to get God to rubber stamp our will. Notice how this is stated in James 1:5-8, " If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking. But when you ask him, be sure that your faith is in God alone. Do not waver, for a person with divided loyalty is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is blown and tossed by the wind. Such people should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. Their loyalty is divided between God and the world, and they are unstable in everything they do." The choice is ours to make. God will counsel but He will not force His will on us. God sees what no one else does. When we walk in integrity, life is simpler, even if difficulties arise and we will go through situations single-minded, rather than double-minded, and peace, even in the midst of conflict is the result.
Messages from Pastor Lloyd Pulley: