This morning, we continue our series on the Ten Commandments with the message, Building a Legacy of Integrity, addressing the commandments, "You shall not steal” and "You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor” (Exodus 20:15 and 16, ESV). While these two may not seem to fit together at first glance, I suggest that they do. How? The first commands integrity with other people’s things, and the second commands integrity with other people’s reputations. Violations of either commandment is a violation of the commandment to “love your neighbor as yourself” (Lev. 19:18; quoted seven times in the New Testament) and the “golden rule” of Matthew 7:12 and Luke 6:31. Violation of either shows a lack of integrity in our interaction with other people.
Dictionary.com defines integrity as, “adherence to moral and ethical principles; soundness of moral character; honesty.” Sounds nice, doesn’t it. Unfortunately, we only have to watch the news for a few minutes (or maybe seconds) to hear a story about someone who lacked integrity. Furthermore, we our society seems to see “white lies” as acceptable. Brothers and sisters, there is no such thing as a “white” lie, and they certainly are not acceptable.
In His High-Priestly prayer, Jesus prayed the Father, “Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth (John 17:16-17 ESV).” We are to be a people who embrace Truth. Accordingly, we must pass on a legacy of integrity. That is part of our mission … and we must accept it!
In His grip,
Pastor Decker
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