DCLM Higher Everyday 15 March 2023 — Integrity Demands Yes Or No.
DCLM Higher Everyday 15 March 2023 Devotional by Pastor W. F. Kumuyi — Integrity Demands Yes Or No.
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TOPIC: Integrity Demands Yes Or No.
Text — Matthew 5:33-37
34But I say unto you, Swear not at all; neither by heaven; for it is God’s throne:
35Nor by the earth; for it is his footstool: neither by Jerusalem; for it is the city of the great King.
36Neither shalt thou swear by thy head, because thou canst not make one hair white or black.
37But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil.
Key Verse: “But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil” (Matthew 5:37).
MESSAGE
The virtue of integrity is very crucial and indispensable in a believer’s life. Jesus, in our passage today, places a spotlight on truthfulness and integrity and challenges us to live by what we say and believe. No wonder Albert Einstein said, “Whoever is careless with the truth in small matters cannot be trusted with important matters.” Learn to keep promises made, either to God or man. People who tell lies, no matter how little, have Satan as their father (John 8:44).
Integrity comes from self-awareness, salvation, consecration, and obedience to biblical principles. Also, to maintain integrity, you must have courage and discipline despite challenges and opposition from your peers and others. Practicing integrity makes you trustworthy and reliable for promotions and good leadership positions like Daniel in Babylon and Joseph in Egypt. It also gives you access to God’s favor, protection, and guidance. As a Christian, always examine yourself to see if your actions reflect your words. Let your ‘Yes’ and ‘No’ be truthful.
Quote: Let your ‘Yes’ and ‘No’ be truthful
Challenge: Are your words trustworthy or deceitful?
Prayer for today: Oh God, may the qualities of integrity shine forth in me in Jesus’ name.
1. Admit that you are a sinner. "For all [humans] have sinned, and comes short of the glory of God....[and] the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord" (Romans 3:23)
2. Repent now. "Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out ...[for] if we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness " (Acts 3:19, 1 John 1:9)
3. Believe that God loves you and Jesus died for you. "God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet Sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8)
4. Invite Jesus into your life through prayer of faith. Jesus says, "Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me" (Revelation 3:20)
