REPOST Today’s AMI QT Devotional was first posted on December 12, 2014.
Devotional Thought for This Morning
“What Gives Us the Authority to be a Voice in the World?”
Proverbs 22:11
“He who loves purity of heart, and whose speech is gracious, will have the king as his friend.”
When I was in seminary, a guest lecturer asked my class a simple question: “What gives us the authority to be a voice in this world?” A few tentative hands were raised with these answers: “The truth of Scripture”; “the Holy Spirit”; “the good works we do.” But all these answers were shot down. The lecturer said, “Integrity. Integrity is what gives us authority to speak and expect people to listen. Without integrity, we lose our influence.”
We don’t have to look too closely to see how the Church is losing its influence in this world. With each rising scandal and controversy, our right to be heard in this world is becoming increasingly compromised. Yet, this is not the sole responsibility of celebrity pastors who find their failures being aired out in the public arena.
Have you seen a car speed, swerve, and display general recklessness only to discover a Jesus Fish on its rear bumper? How about people who confess their faith to their co-workers only to go out drinking and going overboard? How many times have we compromised our morals and standards of holiness?
According to this Proverb, the authority to speak influentially in a way that is heard and makes an impact comes from the integrity of the internal with the external. It’s not about perfection, but when what is true in our hearts flows forth out of our lips as consistency, people listen.
We are called to be influencers for the kingdom of God wherever we go. It is our integrity that will allow us to fulfill this calling. Are there any areas of contradiction in your life that God is calling you to reconcile? Let us apply the grace of God that will transform us to be a people of integrity.
Prayer: Father, I need Your grace. I know there are many areas that I make compromises in my life. Bring agreement between what I know is true and the way I live my life. Grow integrity in me that I may declare Your kingdom in this world. Amen.
Bible Reading for Today: Revelation 5
Lunch Break Study
Read Luke 6:39-42: He also told them a parable: “Can a blind man lead a blind man? Will they not both fall into a pit? 40 A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone when he is fully trained will be like his teacher. 41 Why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? 42 How can you say to your brother, ‘Brother, let me take out the speck that is in your eye,’ when you yourself do not see the log that is in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take out the speck that is in your brother’s eye.
Questions to Consider
- What does this text tell about living a life of integrity?
- Why is it important to be people of integrity in how we relate with those around us?
- According to this text, what kind of influence are we called to wield?
Notes
- It begins when we cast a critical eye on ourselves instead of others.
- Verse 42 tells us that our ability to help others comes when we deal with our own issues first.
- We are called to be people who help others without judgment while being honest with ourselves.
Evening Reflection
Reflect on your day. What are some patterns of compromise that weakened your integrity? In what ways were there separation between your heart and your words. Pray and ask that God would bring reconciliation between your thoughts and your words so that integrity will rise and you will be one of influence as God has called you to be.