Monday, April 22, 2019

INTEGRITY COUNTS

INTEGRITY COUNTS

Several years ago, a preacher from out-of-state accepted a call to a church in Houston, Texas.  Some weeks after he arrived, he had occasion to ride the bus from his home to the downtown area.  When he sat down, he discovered that the driver had accidentally given him a quarter too much in change.  

As he considered what to do, he thought to himself, ‘I better give this quarter back.  It would be wrong to keep it.’  Then he thought, ‘Oh, forget it, it’s only a quarter.  Who would worry about this little amount of money?  Anyway, the bus company gets too much fare; they will never miss it.  Accept it as a ‘gift from God’ and move on.’

When his stop came, he paused momentarily at the door, and then handed the quarter to the driver, saying, “Here, you gave me too much change.”

The driver, with a smile, replied, “Aren’t you the new preacher in town?”

“Yes” he replied.

“Well, I’ve been thinking a lot lately about going somewhere to worship.  I just wanted to see what you would do if I gave you too much change.  See you at church on Sunday!”

When the new pastor stepped out of the bus, he literally grabbed the nearest light pole, held on tightly, and whispered, “Oh God, I almost sold your Son for a quarter.”

In truth, our lives are the only Bible some people will ever read.  This is a practical example of how much others observe us, as Christians, and put us to the test!  Always be on guard -- and remember -- you carry the name of Jesus Christ on your shoulders whenever you are identified as “Christian.”

Watch your thoughts; they become words.
Watch your words; they become actions.
Watch your actions; they become habits.
Watch your habits; they become character.
Watch your character; it becomes your destiny.

Our ‘senior’ devotional readers will likely appreciate these next lines, should memory serve them well: 

Being a CHRISTIAN is much like being an unsuspecting participant on “CANDID CAMERA,” a classic old-school TV program. You see, “when you least expect it, you’re elected.” And someone is always zooming in on you and your personal choices. So live wisely and impact positively.

Sisters and brothers, be continually blessed, and please (above all else) MAKE SURE YOU ARE READY TO MEET OUR SOON COMING KING. Maranatha!

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