S)"12 The man said to Joab, 'Even if I should receive a thousand pieces of silver in my hand, I would not put out my hand against the king’s son; for in our hearing the king charged you and Abishai and Ittai, saying, "Protect for me the young man Absalom!"'"
2 Samuel 18:12 (NASB)
O) This is great integrity! Too often I have heard people doing the wrong thing because some one in authority over them told them to do so. Doing the right thing is beyond simple obedience to the people who are in charge of us. The only one we should follow on blind faith is the One who created us. God wants us to be submitted to the authorities over us, so long as those authorities are not telling us to do what is wrong, or specifically, what is contrary to a higher authority. This man knew that his boss, not just a boss, but in fact, the Commander of the king's armies, was giving him a command in direct contradiction to the king's wishes, so he stood his ground in the face of who-knows-what kind of punishment - but even in the face of blatant bribary. This is great integrity!
A) At work, we have various pillars of our company. We have different traits that we corporately try to keep at the forefront of our business. One of those traits is "Do The Right Thing." I always point to that as the single, most important, of all the traits. It not only lines up with my attitude as a professional employee, but also with my attitude as a servant of the Almighty. If I am to be a true disciple of Christ, and if I am to walk as a child of God, and brother to Jesus Christ, in Jesus Christ, then I absolutely must do the right thing, 100% of the time. It's not just a way of doing business; it's a way of life.
P) Father, it's only because You redeemed me that I'm able to adopt this perspective. I know that when I was not submitted to You, I was rebellious toward all authorities. I know now, because You have shown me, that it's a poisonous way to live. It skews all my perspectives and, at the very least, I can't imagine being a good husband and father if I did not, myself, respect authority. Holy Spirit, open my eyes to see the truth in every circumstance. Let me be obedient, but not blind. When I am confronted with a task or job or command, and it doesn't feel right or doesn't sit right with me, speak to me and let me know the truth and what the Father would have me do. When all esle fails, LORD, I will default to obedience to You. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
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