Walk of Life – Day 11 – September 2020 – Thoughts from the Book of Proverbs
The integrity of the upright shall guide them: but the perverseness of transgressors shall destroy them. Proverbs 11: 3
It was the Italia Masters Tennis tournament in May 2005 and the match was between Andy Roddick and Fernando Verdasco in round 16. Roddick was the favorite for this tournament, and just a month later, he made it to the finals of the Wimbledon though he lost to Roger Federer.
Roddick dominated the game and had a triple match point when a strange thing happened. Roddick was not able to return Verdasco’s hard second serve however the linesman awarded Roddick the point and the match. The crowd began cheering but Roddick knew something that no one else knew. The serve was in. He informed the umpire that the ball was in and the umpire reversed the call and awarded the point to Verdasco. After this remarkable turn, Verdasco was at the top of his game and went on to win the set and the match. Roddick could have just walked away with the victory but he insisted on being honest. His integrity cost him tens of thousands of dollars perhaps a lot more if he actually won the tournament. Roddick may have lost a tennis match but he set an example in integrity for all of us.
The Bible says the integrity of the upright shall guide them. Integrity is deciding to do right each time and every time in spite of the consequences or challenges involved. And how do we know what is right? By following the one and only instruction book – the Bible. In whatever situation you are, decide to do what is right based on biblical principles. Do not follow the customs of the world. Do not go against the Word of God. In that case, you will counted with the perverse and destruction is sure. We face challenges of integrity almost every single day. The Bible says “Moses was faithful in all his house” In other words, Moses was a man of integrity. He did what the Lord told him to do. However, he disobeyed once and he paid the price. Joseph was a man of integrity. When Potiphar’s wife tempted him he chose to fear and obey God. He chose to do what was right. The list is endless. The Lord Jesus could have refused to suffer all the shame and agony of the cross but He says “Not my will but thine be done.” There are also persons like Samson and Joab who did as they pleased and faced the consequences.
Let my motto be “Lord not my will but thine be done.” May we submit to doing His will always, walking in His ways and doing what is right not in our eyes but in His eyes. And the Lord will guide us and keep us as his faithful witnesses.
