“I don’t trust by myself, but when I invite others into my life, I am the best version of myself.”
Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – June 8, 2022
A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, Loving favor rather than silver and gold. Proverbs 22:1, NKJV
I recently quizzed a new friend, who is a structural engineer. “What are the most important aspects of constructing and maintaining the structural integrity of buildings and bridges?” I asked. He responded with an earnest reply, “The entire building depends on the structural integrity of the foundational system with all the construction upon the foundation being to code. And to ensure the ongoing integrity of the structure, inspectors are required to systematically look for any pressure points that may be compromising specific areas of the building.” Wow, and I thought to myself, “Inspectors who are thorough and honest with their findings.”
Which brings me to our discussion of maintaining a good name. How do we grow and maintain the structural integrity of our lives? As we daily integrate our life in Christ and are introspective in our love relationship with the Lord and others, we move into a community of accountability. We invite into our lives loving inspectors whom we respect and trust to tell us the truth and help protect us from ourselves. Friends and family who will inspect who we expect to be as a follower of Jesus Christ. Better to be humble in a small group who loves us, than to be humiliated in the broader community. Loving accountability helps you maintain your good name.
“Encourage the young men to be self-controlled. In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us” (Titus 2:6-8).
Two common and potentially destructive pressure points on the structural integrity of your life are success and failure. Of the two, failure seems to have less of a chance to compromise your character, because your heart can be tender and teachable. Success is subtle. When you experience success, you can easily mask, even cover up, unwise foolish decisions. But what’s concealed will be revealed—one day, your sin will find you out. A good name is not ashamed.
Success often expands your influence, grows your affluence and enlarges your autonomy. You will maintain your good name if you are intentional to be humble and intentional to give God and the others the credit for your success. And, your integrity will be enhanced if you have a plan to systematically be generous with your wealth toward the poor, widows, orphans and investment in God’s Kingdom. Furthermore, freely use your additional margin of time to serve others and invite friends into your life. As in the beginning, it’s not good for man to be alone! I don’t trust by myself, but when I invite others into my life, I am the best version of myself.
“Then the Lord said to Satan, “Have you considered my servant Job? There is no one on earth like him; he is blameless and upright, a man who fears God and shuns evil. And he still maintains his integrity, though you incited me against him to ruin him without any reason” (Job 2:3).
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me to maintain my good name, by inviting into my life loving accountability, through Christ’s love, and in His name, I pray, amen.
Application
What 3-4 people can I invite into my life to provide loving accountability?
Related Reading
Nehemiah 7:2; Proverbs 13:6; Ecclesiastes 7:1; 2 Corinthians 1:12
Worship Resource
Brooke Ligertwood: Ancient Gates
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