INTEGRITY

INTEGRITY

There is a story told, concerning the Great Wall of China, that points up the value of integrity and honesty in our lives.

The wall was built so high that no one could climb over it. It was built so long that no one could go around it. The gates were so strong that they could not be broken down, nor forced open.

For many years, China relaxed, thinking they were safe from all who would seek to do them harm.

Yet, China was invaded and harmed three times. Not by armies going over the wall. Not by going around the wall. Not by breaking the wall down.

It was accomplished by bribing the gate keepers, and going through the opened gates, unhindered.

In 1943, when I was ordained to the Ministry by Howard A. Goss at our (PCI) annual conference, Bro. Goss hammered home the truths of Integrity in our young lives. He emphasized that no matter what language we used, we could only say what we are. He told us it takes 20 years to make a Minister, because it takes 20 years to make a man.

One point he especially stressed was that a Minister should be trustworthy of another man's 1) Money, 2) Reputation, 3) Wife and 4) Daughter. I never forgot those admonitions, and I am glad for it.

I am an old man now, and it hurts to watch the standards for the Ministry being eroded away so badly as they are in these times.

Of course, we had those who disregarded the high standards we held for ourselves, even in those days. But they were in a scant minority. It seems to be different now.

I am glad for the efforts being made to hold a line of discipline, not only among the Ministry but also the saints.

Change is inevitible, but the Church Community as a whole seems to be over doing it a bit, as far as I can ascertain.

Psalms 25:21 Let integrity and uprightness preserve me; for I wait on thee.

Proverbs 28:21 To have respect of persons [is] not good: for for a piece of bread [that] man will transgress.

Proverbs 20:7 The just [man] walketh in his integrity: his children [are] blessed after him.

Proverbs 14:2 He that walketh in his uprightness feareth the LORD: but [he that is] perverse in his ways despiseth him.

I Samuel 8:3 And his sons walked not in his ways, but turned aside after lucre, and took bribes, and perverted judgment.

Isaiah 33:14 The sinners in Zion are afraid; fearfulness hath surprised the hypocrites. Who among us shall dwell with the devouring fire? who among us shall dwell with everlasting burnings? He that walketh righteously, and speaketh uprightly; he that despiseth the gain of oppressions, that shaketh his hands from holding of bribes, that stoppeth his ears from hearing of blood, and shutteth his eyes from seeing evil;

Psalms 15:1 LORD, who shall abide in thy tabernacle? who shall dwell in thy holy hill? He that walketh uprightly, and worketh righteousness, and speaketh the truth in his heart. [He that] backbiteth not with his tongue, nor doeth evil to his neighbour, nor taketh up a reproach against his neighbour. In whose eyes a vile person is contemned; but he honoureth them that fear the LORD. [He that] sweareth to [his own] hurt, and changeth not. [He that] putteth not out his money to usury, nor taketh reward against the innocent. He that doeth these [things] shall never be moved.

Proverbs 10:9 He that walketh uprightly walketh surely: but he that perverteth his ways shall be known.

Proverbs 2:11 Discretion shall preserve thee, understanding shall keep thee: To deliver thee from the way of the evil [man], from the man that speaketh froward things;

Psalms 24:3 Who shall ascend into the hill of the LORD? or who shall stand in his holy place? He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully. He shall receive the blessing from the LORD, and righteousness from the God of his salvation.