Tag: Integrity

Not All Help Is Good Help: How to Protect Your Purpose

In today’s reading, the Israelites return from exile with a clear mission: to rebuild the temple in Jerusalem. This was more than just a construction project; it was about restoring their spiritual connection with God. Yet, in the midst of their work, they faced a dilemma. When neighboring groups offered to help, the Israelites made a bold choice to turn them away, recognizing that their intentions weren’t aligned with God’s purpose. This decision might seem harsh, but it reveals something crucial for us today—the importance of discernment.

Rebuilding anything in our lives, whether it’s our faith, relationships, or even a community, requires wisdom in choosing who we allow to influence us. Not everyone who offers help is on the same page spiritually, and partnering with the wrong people can undermine the very thing God has called us to do. The Israelites understood this, knowing that accepting help from those whose motives were not pure would compromise the integrity of their mission. They weren’t acting out of pride or exclusivity but out of a deep desire to remain faithful to what God had asked of them.

This lesson is just as relevant for us. We often face situations where we need to rebuild—whether it’s in our personal walk with God, in mending a broken relationship, or in pursuing a new direction in life. But not every offer of support is helpful. Discernment is crucial in deciding who to partner with, and this discernment comes through prayer and seeking God’s guidance. As we seek His wisdom, we begin to see people’s true intentions more clearly.

Jesus tells us that we will recognize people by their fruits. When someone offers to help, we need to ask ourselves: What kind of fruit is evident in their life? Are they walking with God, or could their influence lead us astray? This doesn’t mean we shut people out based on a surface-level judgment, but rather that we carefully examine whether their involvement will help us stay true to God’s calling. The Israelites knew that compromising by partnering with the wrong people would dilute their worship and weaken their resolve. Similarly, we must be vigilant in guarding against compromise, even when it seems subtle.

As we navigate our own rebuilding efforts, we must remain aware that God calls us to stay faithful to His mission. When we surround ourselves with those who encourage us in our faith and challenge us to grow closer to God, we are better equipped to complete the work He’s given us. Discernment isn’t always easy, but it’s essential. Just as the Israelites protected their mission by saying no to the wrong kind of help, we, too, must be willing to make tough decisions for the sake of our spiritual health.

Rebuilding with God’s guidance means knowing when to accept help and when to turn it down. By seeking His wisdom, examining the lives of those around us, and being cautious of potential compromise, we can move forward confidently, trusting that God will lead us in the right direction. Let’s remember that God calls us to pursue His purpose with integrity, surrounding ourselves with those who share our commitment to His ways.

How Will You Lead?

I’ve always been struck by the profound responsibility that comes with leadership, particularly in the church. Reading through Jeremiah 22-23, I couldn’t help but feel the weight of God’s words directed at the leaders of Israel. As a leader, these passages serve as a sobering reminder that shepherding God’s people is not about serving ourselves but about being faithful stewards of His truth.

In Jeremiah 23:1-2, God condemns the shepherds who destroy and scatter the sheep of His pasture. This rebuke is not limited to the kings but extends to the religious leaders as well. Those who are supposed to guide and protect God’s people are instead leading them astray, prioritizing their own interests over the well-being of the flock. The failure of these leaders to listen to God and to faithfully communicate His message is a betrayal of their calling.

As a preacher, this strikes a deep chord within me. The role of a preacher, much like the prophets of old, is to declare God’s word to His people. But how can we do that if we do not first listen to what He has to say? Jeremiah 23:16-22 makes it clear that those who claim to speak for God must be faithful to His words, not their own ideas or desires. This is not just a call to those who stand in the pulpit, but to anyone in a position of spiritual leadership—whether you’re leading a church, a small group, or your own family.

It’s easy to let our own agendas, insecurities, or even good intentions cloud our ability to hear from God. But as leaders, we must be committed to both truth and transparency. We must be willing to speak God’s truth, even when it’s difficult, and to do so with integrity and humility.

This is a commitment I continue to make in my own ministry, and it’s one I challenge all leaders to take seriously. We must shepherd God’s people with care, ensuring that we are faithful to His word and not leading others astray by our own neglect or self-interest. Let’s be leaders who listen, who seek God’s guidance, and who are faithful to the task we’ve been given.

Exploring Themes

Today I decided to write down the overarching theme that I perceived in each Proverb. With each additional Proverb, I would consult my list, if it fit with one of the existing themes, I would add a tick mark beside it, otherwise I would write down a new theme. At the end I counted them all up.

The themes I ended up with (you might well end up with a different list with different counts if you decide to do this) were: Fighting, Laziness, Intentionality, Loyalty, Integrity, Discernment, Sanctification, Reputation, Wisdom, Giving, and Trust in God.

The winners by my count were Discernment and Integrity with 9 Proverbs each. This was a good reminder for me of the value of these traits.

Discernment allows us to pursue only those things & relationships which are good for us, which will edify and encourage us, which will make us into better people and allow us to fully step into what God has for us. You can — as Fleetwood Mac put it — Go Your Own Way, but that will not give you the fullness and satisfaction in every sphere of your life that following Christ offers.

Integrity is so critical to the life of the believer. My father used to tell me that your word is your legacy. It’s how you will be remembered. And if it is how we will be remembered, then it is also how we are known. So we say what we mean and mean what we say? Are our promises good as gold? Can people take us at face value and never be afraid. That’s how God is, and if we are seeking to be like Him, then all of the above should be true about us. Whether it’s fair or not, people judge the king by his messenger. What kind of messenger are you for THE King?

That’s my takeaway. What theme(s) stood out to you from today’s reading?