Integrity defends the truth
Integrity is an integral element of being a defender of truth. We give our best in every situation because it is the right thing to do. We are honoring God by living a single-minded devotion to Him. We are not doing it to be seen by men.
Jesus criticized the Jewish leaders because they sought man’s honor but didn’t care about God’s honor. Their hearts were set to do right only to be seen by the right people!
You shall not go about as a talebearer among your people; nor shall you take a stand against the life of your neighbor: I am the Lord. Leviticus 19:16
A talebearer has duplicity of character. That kind of behavior is called hypocrisy. A person of integrity cannot be a hypocrite because they are willing to walk and live in truth regardless of the cost. The old saying, “What you see is what you get!” describes a person of integrity. Their desire is for God to build their reputation. They don’t concern themselves with: “Am I accepted? Will this buy me a position or relationship? What will it take for me to be part of the “inner circle?”
When someone looks to an individual with integrity they see truth lived out in their personal lives. Truth is not defended just with words but with a lifestyle of integrity!
Defenders of truth judge righteously
I can of Myself do nothing. As I hear, I judge; and My judgment is righteous, because I do not seek My own will but the will of the Father who sent Me. John 5:30
‘You shall do no injustice in judgment. You shall not be partial to the poor, nor honor the person of the mighty. In righteousness you shall judge your neighbor. Leviticus 19:15
Jesus is our model of righteous judgment. If we are placed in a position to judge, then we follow the standard that Jesus has set for us in the above scripture (John 5:30).
We need to be willing to put aside our own personal preferences and prejudices and listen to God in a given situation. We must learn to be objective in our judgment. Objectivity is when we don’t allow our own emotions or thoughts to add or take away from the facts.
Defenders of truth are careful with their judgment. To be truly a defender of truth, there are going to be moments that we have to excuse ourselves from judging a situation because we are too close to one of the parties. As defenders of truth, our hearts’ desire is not to run the risk of being partial in our judgment.
If we live a life of righteous judgment, over time we gain the respect of others because people know our desire is to do what is right, to be fair, and be mindful of the will of God.
Defending the truth is much harder than it appears! It takes a lot of courage, stamina, and fortitude to live a life that continually defends the truth and exemplifies the truth of Christ lived out in a person’s life. Defending the truth doesn’t always win friendships, but it pleases God and gains His favor!
Lord give us the courage, the strength, and the stamina to be defenders of truth and resemble you well on the earth.
For comments, please email me at karlinefischer@yahoo.com