Integrity

The Freedom of Integrity - Part III
Not As Pleasing Men

Post by Jerry Wragg taken from http://expositorythoughts.wordpress.com/

Paul’s second non-negotiable of integrity is to serve with spiritual courage. The Thessalonians were being told that the missionaries spoke bold words to gain manipulative power over the new converts, and that at the first sign of opposition they would abandon the sheep. Essentially, Paul was being defamed as a mere hireling. Jesus had chided hirelings who feign protection but are cowards in the face of danger (John 10: 11-15). Self-preservation at all costs is a weakness, not a virtue. But was it true of Paul and the others? Again, he appeals to the spiritual courage they had demonstrated some one hundred miles to the northeast in the city of Philippi. Even after they had “suffered and been shamefully treated”, they “had boldness in…God to declare…the gospel of God in the midst of much conflict” (1 Thess 2:2). Paul literally hobbled into Thessalonica—blood still drying on his body from the beating in Philippi—and began to teach in the synagogue, the most confrontational and dangerous environment the truth of Christ could infiltrate. After several weeks (perhaps even 2 to 3 months by some calculations) of unvarnished gospel ministry, the truth hit hard upon stony hearts, at which point the missionaries were secretly whisked away by the new believers who wanted to preserve the lives of their only trusted shepherds. I can almost hear Paul, reluctant to be sent away, strongly contending for the opportunity to remain and teach yet again in the synagogue.

Are these the actions of a man without integrity? The answer is a resounding “No!” A godly man has nothing to fear because his conscience has been “approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel,” and he speaks “not as pleasing men, but God” who sees what’s in the heart (1 Thess 2:4). Solomon, not to be outdone, declared that “The wicked flee when no one pursues, but the righteous are bold as a lion” (Prov 28:1). Check spiritual leaders! Do they demonstrate spiritual courage? Do they trust the work and the word of God? Do they unfold the scriptures without shrinking back? Do they give an answer with biblical clarity? Do they willingly invite questions about doctrine, ministry, character, service, etc? If not, the sheep will become vulnerable, and accusations will eventually have a legitimate target. Integrity marked by courageous leadership is a tremendous safeguard.

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