News & Views
Dawn Parkinson - Ruthless Integrity
written by Dawn Parkinson
published on 14th April 2003
‘Look after your character and your reputation will look after itself’. A fridge magnet!
‘A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold.’ Proverbs 22:1
‘In the paths of the wicked lie thorns and snares, but he who guards his soul stays far away from them.’Proverbs 22:5
Jesus talks in no uncertain terms about being ruthless with sin (see Matt 5:29-30).
The Oxford English dictionary describes integrity in these terms: ‘moral uprightness; honesty; wholeness; soundness.’ Note the link that the dictionary makes with integrity and wholeness.
The challenge for radical Christians everywhere is one of ruthless integrity. Integrity that challenges us and others in the way we act and react. Integrity that holds us to God’s word – even when it’s not the most popular option. Integrity that means we’re faithful to challenge those around us. Integrity that means sin doesn’t sit well with us. And integrity that means that our only yardstick is the famous question of ‘what would Jesus do?’ – as something we live by – not just wear on our wrist.
It’s ruthless integrity that makes us transparent people. No hidden areas. No secret sins. It’s been said that it’s the ‘unshared areas of our lives where Jesus isn’t Lord’ – ruthless integrity means that there are no unshared areas of our lives - no stones that we haven’t let God look under! Why? Because that’s the way to freedom and wholeness in Jesus.
‘…urging you to live lives worth of God, who calls you into His kingdom and glory’ 1 Thess 2:12
‘A man cannot be established through wickedness, but the righteous cannot be uprooted.’ Prov 12:3
‘May integrity and uprightness protect me, because my hope is in you.’ Ps 25:21
