Seized to Be One with Integrity

Key Verse

For we are taking pains to do what is right, not only in the eyes of the Lord but also in the eyes of man.
2 Corinthians 8:21 (NIV)

Short Reflection

In 2 Corinthians, Paul is asking the church in Corinth to complete the collection for the believers in Jerusalem who were in need. The offering was then to be taken to Jerusalem by Paul himself and his trustful co-workers. The gift was a generous one, and to avoid criticism or slander, Paul goes a great length to explain to the church in Corinth who these trustful co-workers are and their intentions.

One might wonder why Paul would be willing to “take pains” to show such transparency. Paul could have just settled with knowing that he was doing what was right in the sight of God. The reason is that he realized the difference between the eyes of the Lord and the eyes of man: Man does not see everything. Therefore, man might lean towards distrust or immorality. Transparency, however, leads to trust and a life of integrity. When we choose transparency instead of hiding things, we are inviting people to help us live a life of integrity. Such an act, as Paul did, takes great humility.

As an exercise, think of areas of your life where you need help in living with integrity – and whether “opening up” might be a solution.

Jesus has seized you to be One with Integrity!

This is the fifth in the “Seized to Be An Ambassador of Christ” series of blog posts and is a special submission from Johnny Hanna, a Team Zambia volunteer from Denmark.