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Probity
by Duane Huffstutler Probity 2 Corinthians 7:1-2 Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God. Receive us; we have wronged no man, we have corrupted no man, we have defrauded no man. Do you have Probity? Do you have probity in your family? Do you have Probity in your work? Do you have probity in your church or your walk with God? Your answer is probably no. I imagine there are not many who can even tell me what the word means. But Enoch had it, Job had it, Daniel had it, Christ had it, and Paul had it to name just a few. Probity is complete integrity, unimpeachable honesty, and tried virtue. A man of probity is one who loves justice and honesty, and who dislikes the contrary. It is adherence to the highest principles and ideals. So now that you know what it is; do you have probity? We say that we love everyone, but how many would feed a homeless person? I don't mean just give them some money or take them to a restaurant but would you take them into your home and feed them from your cabinet on your table? Would you allow them to take a bath or a shower in your bathroom? How many feel that they are better than someone else? You pick the person; maybe a janitor or a garbage collector. There are people out there that we actually look down on. What would Christ say about us at that moment if he were here? You know as well as I do that he is here and he is trying to talk to you but he can't get through because of your pride and stuffiness. How did he treat these down and out people? How did he treat the harlot or prostitute? He didn't cast them away he stopped and helped them. He did what he professed. He didn't turn away any that came to him for help. He showed probity in its purest form. You say what about Paul or Saul he persecuted the church. How can he have it? Yes Saul persecuted the church to the best of his ability. He made no bones about it, he was going to stop this group of people that proclaimed Christ had come and the Jews had killed him. He was doing what he knew was right with everything inside of him and never backed down for a second, until Christ stopped him on the road to Damascus. When Christ finished talking to him what did he do? He went away for 3 years to study and learn all that he could about this Jesus Christ and then preached Jesus Christ and him crucified with everything inside of him. He again was doing what he knew was right and never backed down for a second. Part of probity is doing what you know to be right with everything inside of you, maintaining your integrity no matter what anyone says or does. So where do you stand? Integrity, honesty and virtue are all talked about and explained all through the Bible. It also tells us that we are supposed to have these. Not just a little bit of them but a complete load. Probity let's find it and keep it. When we do Christ will shine through us and we will be able to walk and talk with him. Duane L. Huffstutler, Written 2011, Faithwriters.com Duane L. Huffstutler is the Sunday School Director at Oak Grove Pentecostal Ministries in Bonifay Florida. All scripture is from the King James Version (1611) Article Source: http://www.faithwriters.com |