We must commit to hold Christ-like integrity before worldly loyalty!
We are aware that both traits; integrity and loyalty are redeeming qualities. However which one hold more significance? Integrity is often referred to morally incorruptibile. When speaking of a structure it refers to the stability of the building and its strong foundation. Integrity produces character.
Loyalty speaks of fidelity towards another, firm allegiance and trust but does not necessarily require good morals. Integrity will not compromise but unfortunately loyalty can.
Take two good friends standing at the edge of a small lake. One is a swimmer and the other is not. They always wanted to explore the other side of the lake.
Loyalty
The swimmer who is loyal says to the non swimmer, don't worry I will tow you to the other side. I got your back.
Integrity
The swimmer with integrity says to the non swimmer, don't worry I will spend time with you teaching you how to swim. I got your back.
Both examples depicts warm friendship but only integrity goes the extra mile by giving the friends what he truly needs. Our Integrity can edify others. It encompasses loyalty, however loyalty does not require integrity. Loyalty is reserved for a clique but not so with your integrity. Your integrity speaks loudly for everyone to hear (it should).
Jesus often admonish His disciples for the sake of their personal growth. However Peter's loyalty got him in trouble when he tried to dissuade Jesus from completing His mission.
In Mark 8 we see this;
31. He then began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests and the teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and after three days rise again.
32. He spoke plainly about this, and Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him.
33. But when Jesus turned and looked at his disciples, he rebuked Peter. “Get behind me, Satan!” he said. “You do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns."
Peter's loyalty got in the way. He was motivated by his feelings. It is a perfect example of one's loyalty compromising one's values. Can you imagine Jesus succumbing to Peter's rebuke? However Jesus, who epitomizes higher morals casted Peter's rebuke aside with His integrity. All done with love.
Christians should possess this Christ-like integrity and then their loyalty will be firmly set. Don't fear nudging people to truth and don't be afraid of being nudge by truth.
We should never compromise our Godly morals to men. We serve God! (Acts 5:29).
Our integrity is set on Godly things.
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.
- Philippians 4: 8-
The just man walketh in his integrity: his children are blessed after him.
- Proverbs 20:7 -
Christ-like Integrity before worldly loyalty!
We are aware that both traits; integrity and loyalty are redeeming qualities. However which one hold more significance? Integrity is often referred to morally incorruptibile. When speaking of a structure it refers to the stability of the building and its strong foundation. Integrity produces character.
Loyalty speaks of fidelity towards another, firm allegiance and trust but does not necessarily require good morals. Integrity will not compromise but unfortunately loyalty can.
Take two good friends standing at the edge of a small lake. One is a swimmer and the other is not. They always wanted to explore the other side of the lake.
Loyalty
The swimmer who is loyal says to the non swimmer, don't worry I will tow you to the other side. I got your back.
Integrity
The swimmer with integrity says to the non swimmer, don't worry I will spend time with you teaching you how to swim. I got your back.
Both examples depicts warm friendship but only integrity goes the extra mile by giving the friends what he truly needs. Our Integrity can edify others. It encompasses loyalty, however loyalty does not require integrity. Loyalty is reserved for a clique but not so with your integrity. Your integrity speaks loudly for everyone to hear (it should).
Jesus often admonish His disciples for the sake of their personal growth. However Peter's loyalty got him in trouble when he tried to dissuade Jesus from completing His mission.
In Mark 8 we see this;
31. He then began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests and the teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and after three days rise again.
32. He spoke plainly about this, and Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him.
33. But when Jesus turned and looked at his disciples, he rebuked Peter. “Get behind me, Satan!” he said. “You do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns."
Peter's loyalty got in the way. He was motivated by his feelings. It is a perfect example of one's loyalty compromising one's values. Can you imagine Jesus succumbing to Peter's rebuke? However Jesus, who epitomizes higher morals casted Peter's rebuke aside with His integrity. All done with love.
Christians should possess this Christ-like integrity and then their loyalty will be firmly set. Don't fear nudging people to truth and don't be afraid of being nudge by truth.
We should never compromise our Godly morals to men. We serve God! (Acts 5:29).
Our integrity is set on Godly things.
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.
- Philippians 4: 8-
The just man walketh in his integrity: his children are blessed after him.
- Proverbs 20:7 -
Christ-like Integrity before worldly loyalty!