Bella, my white Chihuahua (I call her my innocent little lamb), has been stalking me for two weeks now confused about the big change of routine in our life. She is constantly in my footsteps looking for guidance and approval in our new daily foraging. She knows something uncomfortable has entered our life but no entiende. We have heard stories of animals hunting men as prey, even tigers taking children from villages, or a bear following a hunter. Most of us probably won’t have to face threats like these, but we are being stalked every day by something far scarier and far more dangerous than an animal. We, and our families, are at risk, yet most people ignore the stalker. We walk through life ignoring the threats that often surround us. Did you know that Satan is out there right now, stalking you like prey? “Your adversary, the Devil, prowls about like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour” (1 Peter 5:8). Jesus warned about false prophets who “Come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly are ravenous wolves” (Matthew 7:15). Paul warned elders: “Savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock” (Acts 20:29). We face dangers every day, yet we have grown accustomed to them. Our spiritual enemies can do us tremendous harm. None of us would knowingly ignore a coyote, wolf, or prowling lion, that was stalking our family on a walk. But that is what we do when we allow sin to “tag along” with us! Each day we become more comfortable with the world, each day we move just a little farther away from God until Satan devours us.
[Proverbs 10:9; 11:3] The term integrity has been defined in various ways. Some would say it is the quality of being honest and having strong moral principles. Others would say it is doing the right thing all the time simply because it is the right thing—doing the right thing knowing no one will know whether you did it or not. I want to suggest, based upon Scripture, a life of integrity is what should characterize each Christian. * A life of integrity makes us like Jesus. “…Jesus Christ…went about doing good…” (Acts 10:34-38). * A life of integrity protects our reputation. “Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity, and sound speech that cannot be condemned, so that an opponent may be put to shame, having nothing evil to say about us” (Titus 2:6-8). * A life of integrity gives us confidence to face eternity. “Do all things without grumbling or disputing, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast to the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain” (Philippians 2:14-16). * A life of integrity strengthens the message we share with others. “Beloved, I urge you as sojourners and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul. Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation” (1 Peter 2:11-12). Of course, we cannot hide. In fact, Jesus sends us out, calling us, “Sheep in the midst of wolves.” But He warns: “Be shrewd as serpents and innocent as doves” (Matthew 10:16). Don’t ignore sin as it stalks your family. If you do, you will eventually get bitten. We must walk abroad in this world, but we must be vigilant as we go! Surround yourself with other Christians to help, and keep your eyes open to spiritual dangers that surround us. Doing the right thing - doing what Jesus Christ would do - will have a huge impact on our own lives and on the lives of others. Are we known as people of integrity? U R the church (James 1:19-25).
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