Keep Your Integrity! - Unconditional Integrity

 In the days of the prophet Daniel, three Hebrews were threatened iwth a fiery death if they would not worship and idol.  Their reply? "If it is to be, our God whome we are serving is able to rescue  us.  Out of the burning fier furnace and out of  your hand, O king, he will rescue us. But if not, let it become known to you, O king, that  your gods are not the ones we are serving, and the image of god tha tyou have set up we will not worship."  - DANIEL 3:17, 19.

They took that stand because they wanted to do what was right. If it led to their death, so be it. Their confidence was in the resurrection. If, however,  God delivered them, so much the better. But their firm stand was unconditional. So it should always be with God's Servants.

In our day some who have refused to compromise have been imprisoned, tortured, even killed. Others have made material sacrifices, preferring to stay poor rather than to get rich at the expense of sacrificing right principles.  What happened with the Christian woman mentioned at the beginnng of this article?  She appreciated  the kindly if misguided motive of the doctor, but she took her stand.  She did not know what the outcome would be, but she was prepared to leave the whole mar in Jehovah's hands.

What helped her to remain so firm under pressure?  She did not try to stand on her own, and neither should any servant of God.  Remember, "God is for us a refuge and strength, a help that is readily to be found during distresses." (Psalm 46:1)  How much  better to turn to God for help while under trial than to sin and then have to turn to him for mercy!

Yes, let us never treat lightly God's great mercy.  Rather, let us develop  a genuine desire to do what is right, even in the face of difficulties.  This will deepen our relationship with Jehovah, give us the trainign that we need for everlasting life, and demonstrate   a proper respect for God's mercy.  Such wise conduct will bring joy to the heart of our heavenly Father.

Next time: A Better Basis for Belief

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