Measuring Up!

ABC television has a weekly program titled "What Would You Do?" It is interesting to watch various situations set up as cameras watch people put on the spot to either choose to get involved or walk away and do nothing. Some situations get quite emotional. Some people later explain they were not sure what to do. Others have to confess their response was not good while others were quick to step forward to keep an injustice or abuse from being carried out.
It has been said, "The measure of a man's real character is what he would do, if he knew he would never be found out. [Macaulay]

How do we measure up? Is what we would do in given situations dependant upon whether or not we are being watched or is it based on GODLY CHARACTER? Having an opportunity to cheat, take something, slip by without doing all a job requires, etc. Would we if we knew no one would ever know? However, that is never true. First of all, we would know! And most significantly our life is fully exposed before God. ( Hebrews 4:13) Therefore, all situations of life ought to be lived as it being the Lord we are serving. That is exactly the exhortation Paul gave to slaves during the first century.

We read. . .
"(5) Slaves, obey your earthly masters with fear and trembling, with a sincere heart, AS YOU WOULD CHRIST, (6) NOT BY THE WAY OF EYE-SERVICE, as people-pleasers, BUT AS SERVANTS OF CHRIST, doing the will of God from the heart, (7) rendering service with a good will AS TO THE LORD AND NOT TO MAN, (8) knowing that whatever good anyone does, this he will receive back from the Lord, whether he is a slave or free." ( Ephesians 6:5-8 ESV)

Now, let us notice the principle was not for slaves alone. It was also for those who were free. Therefore, the exhortation of Paul given here is applicable to everyone. It is a principle of INTEGRITY that ought to be associated with our life; character that measures up to DOING RIGHT regardless of being noticed or not.

Have a great day DOING RIGHT JUST BECAUSE IT IS!
Carl

See other teEn-MAIL on Integrity