Is something
missing?
Joyce Jamerson
Do you ever
feel as if something is missing in today’s society? Things that ought to be there? This is a different time for
many of us; a time of uncertainty and economical change. Sure, we’ve always tried to be good stewards and get
the most for our money, but there was money to be had. These days, dollars have to be stretched and ways to save need
to be shared. When money is tight, it seems to bring out the true character of those around us, and as we take a look
within, we may or may not like what we see in ourselves. Jobs may not be plentiful; services are being cut and our dollar
has to go pretty far. How do we react? Will we trade our integrity for a few dollars in these difficult times?
Today, in the grocery
store, there was a sale on beef, particularly shoulder roasts. As I picked up one package to look at it, the price label
jumped out at me. It said: $0.61. No, the sale wasn’t that special. Immediately, I
knew something was wrong. Should I leave it there and choose another? Should I check out with it and consider
it my good fortune? Our missing quality (among many) in society today is integrity. What would integrity demand
of this situation? When I took the roast to the meat counter to be re-weighed, I told the clerk that it was a really
good buy, but I hardly thought the sale was that good. She blinked a couple of times while looking at the price
and took it behind the counter to be weighed properly. When it was returned, the label revealed what had happened.
Now the roast cost $4.61. No one caught the mistake when the 4 had been dropped. She thanked me for being honest
and I was on my way.
Perhaps
that was the trigger for the memories – memories of my parents telling me to sit up straight, stand tall, look others
in the eye when speaking, shake hands firmly, always tell the truth and all that…and I remember the word integrity.
Integrity isn’t about being perfect but about strength of character. Proverbs 24:10 in the NIV says, “If you
falter in times of trouble, how small is your strength!” These days, if you stand firm with conviction and
can be trusted, you are among the few who have integrity. It’s a shame that employees are chronically late, pilfer
supplies and cheat their employers. Bickering and gossiping are common. Instead of being an example, high ranking
officials are publicly in the news because of their dishonesty and infidelities. Looting and lawbreaking are widespread
when there is some type of national disaster. What does that say about our society? Where is integrity? Where
is caring for our fellow man?
Living
a life of purpose requires certain characteristics and we find these qualities in the life of Daniel. Even though he
was a captive taken to Babylon when Jerusalem was besieged, Daniel continued to make good decisions. I guess we could
say his greatest strength was his attitude. So much so, that God gave him (and his 3 friends) “knowledge and
intelligence in every branch of literature and wisdom,” Daniel 1:17. We can see the source of Daniel’s
strength as he approaches God in prayer in 2:20-23.
How is our attitude? Even if we think we’re doing pretty well in
the attitude department, how high does it rank when we’re challenged? When we’re passed over for a promotion
or if the department evaluation doesn’t score as highly as we think it should? How dare that employer take points
off my score! When someone makes an accusation against us; how do we hold up?
Daniel was a faithful worker. He performed so well that he was made a ruler over the whole province of Babylon
and at his request, his 3 friends were also promoted, Daniel 2:48-49. He was trusted! Faithfully doing his work. Employers
today would love to hire someone like that.
There
is a story about a wealthy man who had a friend who was a builder of homes. The builder was down in his business so the wealthy
man decided to help him out by having him to build a home for him. He gave the builder a set of plans and a hefty check for
$300,000. He then told him that he trusted his decisions and to do the best job that he could and if satisfied he would be
paid well. The builder was very excited to receive such a large check but even more excited that he would be able to cut expenses
which would enable him to keep a share of the money he had received. He went out and purchased the cheapest concrete that
he could find as well as the cheapest lumber, all the while thinking about the money that he was going to be able to pocket.
He did the same thing with the plumbing and wiring. When it was all said and done he was able to pocket $40,000 dollars.
Without his friend knowing about it, he deposited the money into his personal account. After completing the job he called
his friend to come to look at the completed job. His friend was quite impressed. On the surface the house looked
great, however the corners that were cut made the house much less than what it actually appeared to be. The builder
could not wait to see how much he would be paid for the job. After going through the home, the wealthy man turned to
his friend and told him that he already had a beautiful home and handed his friend the keys and said welcome to your new home.
The builder nearly passed out. Any idea why?
Daniel
had the keys to integrity. But those keys didn’t keep him from being persecuted by others. We all know the
lion’s den story by heart, but read through the book once more and note how Daniel behaved during challenges in his
life and from where he received his strength. He was faithful and diligent in his everyday life, had personal purity
and was consistent in his walk with God. He was a man of prayer; diligent in his prayer life.
I remember seeing a sign that said:
When you’re faced with a busy day,
save precious time by skipping your devotions.
Signed, Satan
Ouch! Looking Within can
be painful! Lord, help us to be diligent in our daily walk with You, in spite of the challenges of our society.
