INTEGRITY
- Olufunmilayo Adekusibe
- Apr 7
- 3 min read
Today’s Reading:
Genesis 14:17 -24
“That I will not take so much as a single thread or sandal thong from what belongs to you. Otherwise, you might say, I am the one who made Abram rich” (Genesis 14: 23)
Thirteen years before the main events of this chapter, Chedorlaomer, king of Elam (Persia), had conquered various kings in the plains adjacent to the Dead Sea (Salt). In the thirteenth year, the five captive kings rebelled against Chedorlaomer. So, he allied himself with three other kings from the region of Babylon, marched south along the eastern side of the Dead Sea, then north on the western side to Sodom, Gomorrah, and the other cities of the plain. The battle took place in the Valley of Siddim, which was full of asphalt pits. The invaders defeated the rebels and marched north with their booty and captives, including Lot, Abram’s nephew.
When Abram received the news, he assembled a fighting force of three hundred and eighteen trained men and pursued the victors to Dan, in the north. He finally defeated them near Damascus, in Syria, and rescued Lot and all the spoils. Abram has a right to all that was recovered during the battle, but the statement he made is worthy of note in verse 23, I will not take a single ... thread from what belongs to you ... Despite the rights and privileges Abram had, he did not use them. He stood his ground so that the King would not say he was the one who made Abram rich. That is integrity indeed. Based on the definition, Integrity is the quality of being honest and ethical and having strong moral principles. It means doing the right thing even when no one is watching and staying true to one’s values, commitments, and beliefs. Integrity involves consistency in actions, words, and decisions, demonstrating reliability and trustworthiness. Abram was a man of integrity. Integrity is when you have the opportunity to steal yet you refuse. Your refusal is not because people are watching but because that is who you are.
Men and women of integrity are scarce to come by in this generation. People have slaughtered integrity on the altar of money, fame and popularity. You hardly find people you can trust with money. It is so sad that even in the household of faith, integrity is a scarce commodity. But one thing is certain Men like Noah, who was found to be ‘upright and righteous’ in his generation, are still available today. The question is, are you one of them? Can you be trusted with money, property or good things of life without any fear of misbehaviour or embezzlement? God is still looking for men and women of integrity. Will you be found worthy? The wealth you have gathered, is it not the sweat of some people? Repent if you are guilty before it is too late.
JAMES ALADE
To surrender your life to Christ, say this prayer aloud. “Father, I acknowledge my sin against You. I repent and ask for forgiveness in the name of Jesus. I surrender to the Lordship of Jesus. By the power of Your Holy Spirit, take control of my heart and lead me in Your path of righteousness. Thank you, Lord.”
If you said the prayer, Congratulations! Prayerfully look for a living church and meet the resident reverend, pastor or priest.
Prayer:
Oh Lord, make me a man/woman of integrity in my generation, in Jesus’ name.
Whatever has possessed my heart apart from the things above, Lord, deliver me today in Jesus’ name.
Wherever l have missed it, have mercy upon me, Lord, in Jesus’ name.
I receive grace to stand and stand out in my time of sojourn here on earth, in Jesus’ name.
May Heaven not mourn over my life. In Jesus’ name.
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