Trust in an Imperfect World

Integrity - The Rewards

The apostle John was a fearless man. On account of their fiery enthusiasm, Jesus called him and his brother James "Sons of Thunder." (Mark 3:17) A man of outstanding integrity, John, along with Peter, explained to the Jewish rulers that he 'could not stop speaking' about the things he had seen and heard while he was with Jesus. John was also one of the apostles who said: "We must obey God as ruler rather than man." -Acts 4:19, 20; 5:27-32.

It seems that when John was well into his 90's, he was exiled on the Isle of Patmos "for speaking about God and bearing witness to Jesus." (Revelation 1:9) At his age, he may have thought that his ministry had ended. But only a man of integrity could be entrusted with the assignment to pen the thrilling vision of Revelation. In this, John was faithful. What a privilege that was for him! And there was more to come. Later, apparently in the vicinity of Ephesus, he wrote his Gospel account and three letters. Such grand privileges to cap 70 years of faithful trustworthy service!

To be a person of integrity in a general way gives deep satisfaction. To be trusthworthy in God's sight brings everlasting rewards. Today, "a great crowd" of true worshipers is being prepared to enter a new world of peace and harmony, with the prospect of everlasting life. (Revelation 7:9) Integrity in the vital matters of morality and worship must be upheld, despite the trials of this system of things and the many challenges Satan may bring to bear. Be assured that in the power Jehovah imparts, you can succeed! -Philippians 4:13.

Speaking both of the present and of the future, the psalmist David reassures all of us when he says, in a prayer of thanks to Jehovah: "As for me, because of my integrity you have upheld me, and you will set me before your face to time indefinite. Blessed be Jehovah . . .Amen and Amen." -Psalm 41:12, 13.

Next time: IDENTIFYING THE RIGHT KIND OF MESSENGER

Watchtower, 1997

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