3 Minute Read

Prepare Your Heart

To the best of your ability, get rid of all distractions. Take a few minutes to breathe deeply and quiet yourself in the Lord’s presence. Then, ask the Lord to speak to you in this time. Let Him know that you will listen and make whatever adjustments He will reveal to you.

Read God’s Word

1 Samuel 19-20
Luke 20:20-40

A Verse for Today

Slowly and reflectively read the following verse(s) and listen to what God will say to you through His written Word. Consider writing down any insights He reveals to you.

Luke 20:20 (CSB): “They watched closely and sent spies who pretended to be righteous, so that they could catch him in what he said, to hand him over to the governor’s rule and authority.”

Reflecting on God’s Word

In Luke 20:19, we read that the scribes and chief priests became furious at Jesus for speaking ill of them in a parable. They wanted to get their hands on Him, but they were concerned that a mob would form against them if they did. The crowds were enjoying Jesus.

So, rather than trying to inflict physical harm on Jesus, the religious leaders went to Plan B and began to look for ways to tarnish his credibility. They sent spies into the crowd who listened intently, maybe even taking notes, to find something He would say that could give them a basis for going public with their grievances.

Imagine that people are listening to everything you say with a desire to discredit you with your own words. They appear to be your friends. They listen to your every word at church and work, and they’ve even planted a secret microphone on you so they can hear every word you say every moment of every day.

Would they be able to come up with anything to discredit you? Do you gossip? Do you use foul language? Are you critical? Do you say words in anger? Are you complaining (upset at God) about difficulties in your life?

There are so many ways we can discredit our testimony by the things that come from our mouths.

James 3:2 (CSB): “For we all stumble in many ways. If anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is mature, able also to control the whole body.”

So, here’s a plan for today. Imagine that you have spies following you today. They will listen to everything you say and how you say those words. So be hyper-vigilant and only say those things that God would approve of.

Those spies never heard Jesus say anything to discredit Himself. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if the same could be said about you and me?

Ephesians 4:29 (CSB): “No foul language should come from your mouth, but only what is good for building up someone in need, so that it gives grace to those who hear.”

Spend Time in Prayer

  • Ask God to help you assess whether your words, particularly those spoken in private, are undermining your integrity.
  • Ask God’s forgiveness for anything you have said or are saying that you need to stop.

Going Deeper

If you want to dig a little deeper into a biblical perspective on integrity, consider reading the following GotQuestions article:

“What does the Bible say about integrity?”

Sharing

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Matt Ellis is the pastor of First Baptist Church in Polk City, Florida (fbcpolkcity.com)