Keep Your Integrity! - Jesus' Viewpoint

 On one occasion, Jesus showed how he viewed the idea of compromising on what is right and and taking a easier course in order to avoid suffering. When he started to tell his disciples of his coming sacrificial death, Peter tried to dissuade him, saying "Be kind to yourself, Lord; you will not have this destiny at all."  Jesus' reaction?  "Get behind me Satan! You are a stumbling block to me, because you think, not God's thoughts, but those of men." - MATTHEW 16:22, 23.

Jesus' strong reproof of Peter showed dramatically that Jesus refused to take an easy course that involved going against God's will.  The record shows that he unwaveringly followed the right path, undergoing constant harrassment at Satan's hands.  At the end he was mocked, severely beaten, and he suffered an agonizing death.  Nevertheless, he did not compromise, and because  of this he was able to offer his life as a ransom for us. Surely he did not endure  all of this so that we can be 'kind to ourselfes' when difficulties or temptations arise!

Of Jesus it is said: "You loved righteousness, and you hated lawlessness." (Hebrews 1:9) Taking the easy way out usually involves lawlessness.  Hence, if we truly hat this-as Jesus does-we will always refuse to compromise.  In the book of Proverbs, Jehovah says: "Be wise, my son, and make my heart rejoice, that I may make a reply to him that is taunting me." (Proverbs 27:11)  Jesus' balanced but uncompromising righteousness brought great rejoicing to Jehovah's heart. We can give Jehovah similar pleasure if we follow Jesus' course of integrity. - 1 PETER 2:23. 

Next time: Keep Your Integrity! - Trained by Endurance

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