Integrity

Integrity

Slaves must obey their masters and do their best to please them. They must not talk back or steal, but they must show themselves to be entirely trustworthy and good. Then they will make the teaching about God our Savior attractive in every way.

Titus 2:9-10

I cannot begin to imagine the hatred, bitterness, and resentment that must have surfaced in the lives of slaves throughout history—hatred for poor treatment, bitterness over separation from family, resentment about lost rights. One of the precious few freedoms a slave possessed was the ability to choose how he or she was going to respond.

Back in the Old Testament book of 2 Kings, we read of an Israelite slave girl who lived out her integrity in a difficult and challenging situation. The girl had been taken captive—kidnapped during a raid—and now served Naaman, a commander of the army of Aram. Naaman was a very influential man, but he had leprosy. The young slave girl told Naaman’s wife, “If only my master would see the prophet who is in Samaria [Elisha]! He would cure him of his leprosy” (5:3, NIV). And if you read the story, that’s exactly what happened!

Warren Wiersbe describes the Jewish girl’s situation: “Even though she was far from home, she did not forget her God and she was quick to witness of his great power. Had she not been a faithful worker in the house, she would not have been an effective witness, but because of her faithfulness, her witness was rewarded.”^a

Are you in the middle of a situation that prompts feelings of hatred, bitterness, or resentment because your circumstances feel unjust? Like the little slave girl, you can choose the path of integrity and beautify the truth of the Bible, even in the midst of a tough situation.

Father,

Sometimes we get stuck in angry emotions. Our hearts need the healing of your strength and grace. Please help us to make choices of integrity, beautifying your truth and expanding your kingdom of life and light to those who have not yet experienced it. Amen.