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GLEANINGS FROM THE WORD Experiencing an extraordinary God in ordinary life
Issue # 530 June 26, 2002 Integrity As a writer, and a Christian, over the years I have become increasing aware of the vastness of copyright problems. Like most other people, I have at times been guilty of it. A few years ago, my wife and I made a decision to handle such things with more integrity. We went through and removed all the "borrowed" software on our computer. We tossed out all the cassette tapes (for you younger readers, they are an ancient ancestor of the CD) that we had compiled over the years of music we hadn’t bought. We no longer photocopy things that we don’t have the appropriate licence to copy. We had rationalized our use of these materials with all the usual arguments: "Everyone else does it"; "I’m not really hurting anyone"; "The big companies make lots of money anyway"; "It’s for a good cause"; "I can‘t afford it right now, I‘ll just make a copy and buy one later". After a while, we didn’t even make excuses, we just did it without thinking. That’s the problem with compromising on integrity. It starts small, and before long you find yourself trapped. Trapped by circumstances or trapped by a heart that has been hardened to the point where you don’t even know you’re compromising anymore. It’s like that with any sin. Few of us decide early in life to be thieves, adulterers, murderers, abusers, drunkards, junkies, and liars, or filled with bitterness, hatred, anger and resentment. It sneaks in a little bit at a time. Satan is smart enough to know that if he showed us the end result of where the small steps might lead, we’d be less likely to make them. He’s a master at deceit and a cunning genius at marketing. As believers, we’re called to a higher standard (we won’t always keep it, but we are called to work towards it) because a holy God lives in us. "Speak to the entire assembly of Israel and say to them: `Be holy because I, the LORD your God, am holy. Leviticus 19:2 NIV But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: "Be holy, because I am holy." 1 Peter 1:15-16 NIV When we fall, He provides forgiveness and grace. We’re not called to judge others in where they are, but we are accountable for where we are in our walk and our integrity. How is yours? Be blessed Hallelu Yah Kevin Many people stay away from Christians because they know we don’t live up to the standard we’re called to meet. Christians aren’t perfect, only God is perfect. Yes we struggle at times, but the incredible gift of His unconditional love and forgiveness makes it all worthwhile. There is nothing in the world better than being relieved of the guilt of our mistakes, and being loved beyond measure despite all our flaws. Those things only come through a personal relationship with Christ. Did you know that at Gleanings, we have a dedicated team of prayer warriors and all prayer concerns are kept strictly confidential? Your comments, your questions and your joys are shared with the prayer team, to keep me accountable as the head of the ministry and to encourage them as they see God at work in your life. As with prayer all these things are kept confidential within the Gleanings team. To share your prayer concerns and praise reports email us. If you enjoy this issue of Gleanings From The Word, email it, in its entirety, to a friend. For information on use of Gleanings in your church newsletter or other situations please visit the permissions page To subscribe or unsubscribe, visit http://hundred-acre-woods.com/magic-list/lists/ or email me at gleanings@gleaningsfromtheword.com
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