Trust in an Imperfect World

Integrity and the Christians Ministry

Is integrity a quality that Jehovah esteems just for his own satisfaction? No, integrity has an intrinsic value for us humans. It was for our benefit that Jesus admonished us to 'love Jehovah our God with our whole heart and with our whole soul and with our whole mind.' Truly, this is "the greatest and first commandment," and it takes a man, woman, or child of integrity to keep it. (Matthew 22:36-38) What is involved, and what are the rewards?

A man of integrity can be trusted, not just by his fellow man but, more important, by God. His purity of heart is seen in his actions; he is free from hypocrisy. He is not devious or corrupt. The apostle Paul put it this way: "We have renounce the underhanded things of which to be ashamed, not walking with cunning, neither by adulterating the word of God, but by making the truth manifest recommending ourselves to every human conscience in the sight of God." _ 2 Corinthians 4:2.

Notice that Paul mentions attitudes that have to do with the Christian ministry. How can a Christians minister serve others if his hands are not pure, if he is not a man of integrity? The head of an Irish religious order who recently resigned well illustrates the point. He admitted that he "allowed a paedophile priest to continue working with children long after his child abuse became known," according to The Independent newspaper. The account explained that the abuse extended over 24 years. The priest was jailed for four years, but think of the suffering imposed upon the children because his overseer lacked the moral integrity to take action!

Next time: Integrity-The Rewards

Watchtower, 1997