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Integrity

July 19, 2024

Hey Clawson Family!


Song:



Scripture:


Matthew 5:33-37


33  “You have also heard that our ancestors were told, ‘You must not break your vows; you must carry out the vows you make to the Lord.’    34 But I say, do not make any vows! Do not say, ‘By heaven!’ because heaven is God’s throne.  35 And do not say, ‘By the earth!’ because the earth is his footstool. And do not say, ‘By Jerusalem!’ for Jerusalem is the city of the great King.  36 Do not even say, ‘By my head!’ for you can’t turn one hair white or black. 37 Just say a simple, ‘Yes, I will,’ or ‘No, I won’t.’ Anything beyond this is from the evil one.


Devotional


Jesus told his followers that they should be people of integrity, which means “undivided” and “a person of your word.” 


Today, we've become so used to fake news and to people saying whatever is going to make them look good that we might have forgotten what honest integrity looks like. It can be hard to trust people in a world like ours. 

Sometimes people try to convince others they can be trusted by saying things like, “I swear on my mother’s grave!” or, “I swear on a stack of Bibles!” 


Jesus tells us to keep our promises simple. He instructs us to say, “Yes, I will,” or “No, I won’t.” Giving a basic yes or no answer may sound easy enough, but it can be really hard to do in a world that often makes excuses and teaches people to make empty promises. 


We grow in integrity as we think carefully about each promise we make and work hard to keep our word, even when it is difficult - especially when it is difficult! 


Journal


Think of someone you know who is honest and has integrity. How would you describe them? What do you admire about them? 


Training: 


What is a promise or commitment you’ve made that you are finding difficult to keep? How do you think God wants to you handle it?




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