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Devotion
Influence with Integrity
READY
Because of my integrity you uphold me
and set me in your presence forever.
Psalm 41:12
The one who lives with integrity lives securely, but whoever perverts his ways will be found out
Proverbs 10:9
SET
With much of the attention on Baseball right now, it seemed appropriate to use that sport for this week’s sports devotion.
In today’s world, it seems that anything done for an advantage is fair game—as long as you don’t get caught. Baseball is a sport in which people have quite famously done many things to get themselves an edge. One of the more famous of these was a pitcher by the name of Gaylord Perry who used a variety of ways to “doctor” up the baseball to make it move the way he wanted it to. Look him up. In some ways he was embraced by the world for his behavior, although the disappointing fact is he was actually a very good pitcher. However, he is now remembered by many for his cheating techniques.
For a more current example, we only need to look at the Houston Astros who organizationally developed a scheme to steal their opponent’s signs. They ultimately won the World Series in part due to this illegal activity. However, did they really win? NO, they are now shamed, their championship is meaningless and will be mocked for years to come, and many of their personal reputations have been tarnished as a result. God’s Word teaches us the same. Think of the Astros and now read that verse in Proverbs again!
The one who lives with integrity lives securely, but whoever perverts his ways will be found out
Proverbs 10:9
As Christians, we are held to a high standard. God is Holy and we are created in the image of God. Our goal must be to live a life that is pleasing to God and that also allows us to have a positive influence on those around us. People will ultimately gravitate toward those who do things the right way. On the other hand, if you’re not living with integrity, your influence will quickly be torn down. If you’re not trusted, then your relationships will have little eternal significance for God and for others.
Another key point in all of this, you do not need to cheat to have success in this world. I often say that God’s Game Plan works for life and thus also works for sports. Look up Clemson and see how their football program is managed by following God’s Word as their foundation (they won 73-7 this past week by the way). We can also look at both our Middle School and High School sports programs and how those programs achieve success. Our school administration completely supports doing everything for God’s Glory, win or lose.
You are not glorifying God when you cheat!
An even better example is found in God's Word. In the book of Daniel, we read about a young man who lived with great integrity. When he was given the chance to turn his back on God’s commands, Daniel stood strong and gained influence over an entire kingdom. Read about him.
Of course, there has been no greater example of integrity than Jesus Christ. He was who He says He was, and He lived a sinless life despite many opportunities to succumb to temptation.
Think about the ways you are tempted to cheat, is it in school in today’s online environment, is it not being truthful with your parents, is it cheating on the drills your coaches are asking you to do? In each instance, you are not getting away with ANYTHING. You are hurting yourself! God’s Word is clear on this point.
Living with integrity in this day and age isn’t easy. However, with God’s Word and the Holy Spirit guiding your steps, it is possible to be the person of integrity that He created you to be.
GO
1. What are some things that can tempt us to take short cuts on in today’s world?
2. How would you define the relationship between your integrity and your influence?
3. What can you start doing today that will help set you on a path toward more Godly integrity?
WORKOUT
Read the Book of Daniel! It is a great read and example for each of us to learn from.
OVERTIME
Lord, I want to walk upright in Your sight. Give me the determination to live with integrity through all that I say and do. Help me build trust within my relationships so that I might influence others for You.
READY
Because of my integrity you uphold me
and set me in your presence forever.
Psalm 41:12
The one who lives with integrity lives securely, but whoever perverts his ways will be found out
Proverbs 10:9
SET
With much of the attention on Baseball right now, it seemed appropriate to use that sport for this week’s sports devotion.
In today’s world, it seems that anything done for an advantage is fair game—as long as you don’t get caught. Baseball is a sport in which people have quite famously done many things to get themselves an edge. One of the more famous of these was a pitcher by the name of Gaylord Perry who used a variety of ways to “doctor” up the baseball to make it move the way he wanted it to. Look him up. In some ways he was embraced by the world for his behavior, although the disappointing fact is he was actually a very good pitcher. However, he is now remembered by many for his cheating techniques.
For a more current example, we only need to look at the Houston Astros who organizationally developed a scheme to steal their opponent’s signs. They ultimately won the World Series in part due to this illegal activity. However, did they really win? NO, they are now shamed, their championship is meaningless and will be mocked for years to come, and many of their personal reputations have been tarnished as a result. God’s Word teaches us the same. Think of the Astros and now read that verse in Proverbs again!
The one who lives with integrity lives securely, but whoever perverts his ways will be found out
Proverbs 10:9
As Christians, we are held to a high standard. God is Holy and we are created in the image of God. Our goal must be to live a life that is pleasing to God and that also allows us to have a positive influence on those around us. People will ultimately gravitate toward those who do things the right way. On the other hand, if you’re not living with integrity, your influence will quickly be torn down. If you’re not trusted, then your relationships will have little eternal significance for God and for others.
Another key point in all of this, you do not need to cheat to have success in this world. I often say that God’s Game Plan works for life and thus also works for sports. Look up Clemson and see how their football program is managed by following God’s Word as their foundation (they won 73-7 this past week by the way). We can also look at both our Middle School and High School sports programs and how those programs achieve success. Our school administration completely supports doing everything for God’s Glory, win or lose.
You are not glorifying God when you cheat!
An even better example is found in God's Word. In the book of Daniel, we read about a young man who lived with great integrity. When he was given the chance to turn his back on God’s commands, Daniel stood strong and gained influence over an entire kingdom. Read about him.
Of course, there has been no greater example of integrity than Jesus Christ. He was who He says He was, and He lived a sinless life despite many opportunities to succumb to temptation.
Think about the ways you are tempted to cheat, is it in school in today’s online environment, is it not being truthful with your parents, is it cheating on the drills your coaches are asking you to do? In each instance, you are not getting away with ANYTHING. You are hurting yourself! God’s Word is clear on this point.
Living with integrity in this day and age isn’t easy. However, with God’s Word and the Holy Spirit guiding your steps, it is possible to be the person of integrity that He created you to be.
GO
1. What are some things that can tempt us to take short cuts on in today’s world?
2. How would you define the relationship between your integrity and your influence?
3. What can you start doing today that will help set you on a path toward more Godly integrity?
WORKOUT
Read the Book of Daniel! It is a great read and example for each of us to learn from.
OVERTIME
Lord, I want to walk upright in Your sight. Give me the determination to live with integrity through all that I say and do. Help me build trust within my relationships so that I might influence others for You.
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