The Integrity Question

In our journey through life, we often find ourselves at crossroads, faced with decisions that can shape our future. But how can we ensure that we're making choices that align with our values and lead to fewer regrets? The answer lies in asking ourselves two critical questions: "Am I being honest with myself?" and "Am I being honest with God?"

The story of King Zedekiah in the book of Jeremiah serves as a powerful cautionary tale. As the ruler of Judah, Zedekiah had access to the wisdom of the prophet Jeremiah, who acted as a divine counselor. Yet, despite having this invaluable resource at his disposal, Zedekiah chose to ignore the prophet's advice repeatedly. His heart was set on his own desires, leading him down a path of poor decisions that culminated in devastating consequences.

Zedekiah's downfall didn't happen overnight. It was the result of a series of choices that gradually led him astray from God's guidance. He gave in to his lusts - for power, for riches, for sexual immorality - and each decision took him further from the path of wisdom. This progression of poor choices ultimately led to his worst decision: attempting to flee from King Nebuchadnezzar, resulting in the death of his family, his own blinding, and imprisonment.

This sobering tale reminds us of the deceitful nature of the human heart. As Jeremiah 17:9 states, "The human heart is the most deceitful of all things, and desperately wicked. Who really knows how bad it is?" Our hearts can easily lead us astray if we're not vigilant and honest with ourselves.

So how do we guard against this deceit? The first step is to practice rigorous honesty with ourselves. We must recognize that we are often our own worst deceivers. Like skilled used car salesmen, we can talk ourselves into anything, selling ourselves lemons left and right. This self-deception is particularly dangerous because it's not always outright lies, but a mixture of truths, half-truths, and untruths that can be difficult to detect.

Our hearts have a way of upgrading our wants into needs, convincing us that we absolutely must have that relationship, that drink, that amount of money, or that recognition. This is where the integrity question becomes crucial: "Am I being honest with myself?" By constantly asking this question, we provide the supervision our hearts desperately need.

But self-honesty is only the first part of the equation. The second, equally important question is, "Am I being honest with God?" While we may struggle to fully understand our own hearts, God sees and understands us completely. As Jeremiah 17:10 reminds us, "But I, the Lord, search all hearts and examine secret motives. I give all people their due rewards, according to what their actions deserve."

When we open ourselves up to this level of honesty with God, we create space for the Holy Spirit to guide, counsel, and correct us. Just like the kings in Jeremiah's time had access to God's voice through the prophet, we have access to the Holy Spirit's guidance. The difference lies in our willingness to listen and follow that guidance, rather than stubbornly making our own way.

This process of honesty - first with ourselves, then with God - creates a powerful cycle. As we become more honest with ourselves, we naturally become more honest with God. This openness, in turn, allows the Holy Spirit more room to work in our lives, guiding us towards better decisions and fewer regrets.

But why is this so important? It's not just about improving our own lives, although that's certainly a benefit. The real significance lies in the impact our decisions have on others and on God's kingdom work. As the proverb states, "A prudent person foresees danger and takes precautions. The simpleton goes blindly on and suffers the consequences" (Proverbs 27:12). Our choices leave fingerprints on the lives of those around us, influencing our relationships and the people over whom we have influence.

We are invited to participate in God's kingdom plan for the world, and our decisions play a crucial role in how we engage with that plan. The way we walk out our faith, the decisions we make, and how we arrive at those decisions all serve as a witness to others. When we make better, more intentional decisions guided by honesty and the Holy Spirit, our witness becomes more powerful and effective.

Consider the potential ripple effects of your choices. A decision made with integrity and alignment with God's will could inspire someone else to seek God's guidance in their own life. It could lead to opportunities to share your faith or offer support to someone in need. On the flip side, a decision made in self-deception could lead others astray or damage your credibility as a follower of Christ.

As we navigate life's challenges and choices, let's commit to asking ourselves these two vital questions regularly: "Am I being honest with myself?" and "Am I being honest with God?" Let's recognize the deceitful nature of our hearts and submit them to God's searching gaze. Let's create space for the Holy Spirit to guide us, trusting that His wisdom far exceeds our own.

Remember, the goal isn't perfection, but progress. We won't always get it right, but by consistently returning to these questions and opening ourselves to God's guidance, we can gradually move towards making better decisions with fewer regrets. And as we do so, we'll find ourselves not only improving our own lives but also making a more significant impact for God's kingdom.

So, the next time you face a decision, big or small, pause and reflect. Are you being truly honest with yourself about your motivations? Are you being honest with God, seeking His will rather than trying to bend His will to your desires? Let these questions be your guide, and watch as your path becomes clearer, your decisions wiser, and your impact for God's kingdom greater.