Integrity:Despised

in·teg·ri·ty

1. Steadfast adherence to a strict moral or ethical code.
2. The state of being unimpaired; soundness.
3. The quality or condition of being whole or undivided; completeness.

In Genesis 25:34 we can read the culmination of a transaction that had more ramifications then either the seller or buyer may have realized. In this story there are no good guys. Esau sold his birthright for a bowl of stew. We know why he did this: He had a felt need. It also seems that he would not have been surprised if he did not live long enough to enjoy the benefits of his birthright. On the other side, we have the supplanter. He low-balls the value of the birthright, taking advantage of his brother's desperation. Can you say "brotherly love"?

de·spise

1. To regard with contempt or scorn.
2. To dislike intensely; loathe.
3. To regard as unworthy of one's interest or concern.

All that to get to this: We can despise our integrity in much the same way as Esau did his birthright. How often do we feel that a "need" of the present is worth more than our integrity? How often have I traded my own wholeness (and holiness) for a bowl of stew? That stew could be a little extra (ill-gotten) cash to help ends meet, the lie told to avoid a confrontation (including the words left unsaid), or the spouse that cheats (as well as the spouse that neglects) because it is easier than being naked with each other.

Every transaction has a supplier and a consumer. Had Jacob not enabled the transaction, had he provided for his kin without guile, would the deceit of Genesis 27 been necessary? How often have I enabled or encouraged the fall of my brother for my own gain? Truly, more than I care to remember.

In each of these, we have less concern for being undivided, whole and sound than we do for satisfying a felt need. I find examples all over Scripture. I also find examples strewn throughout my life. It pains me because I know it reflects a lack of faith. It says, "God, I don't think You are going to take care of this need, and even though I know this option I came across doesn't square with Your Word I am going to go my way." Could there be another reason I would fail to stand in the wisdom and promises of God? I don't think so. Am I my brother's keeper? Yes I am. Likewise, you are my keeper.

A Quality How-To

If more of us that name the name of Christ acted like they believed He commanded us to care for the widows and the poor, maybe we wouldn't need a welfare system.

Until then, here are the least of these. Matt. 25:31-46

Quick Notes From Out of Town

Hi Y'all,
I've been in the great state of Texas since Wednesday. I've noticed something here: There is a lot more state pride in Texas than in California, if state flags are any indicator.

I have some ideas for future posts, so please stay tuned.

Scars: Reminders of Lessons Learned

Let us start with a couple of traffic facts. Fact one: Everybody that drives a car is an idiot. Fact two: Everybody that rides a motorcycle is crazy. Not all to the same degree, mind you, but crazies and idiots nonetheless.

I'm a bit of both, as you might have guessed. I ride a motorcycle every day but Sunday, which happens to be the only day I wear long pants.

One work day, I dropped off my work truck and rode the motorcycle home where my wonderful bride was waiting for me with bated breath. (See facts one and two again.) As is my custom, I was "sharing" lanes on a surface street. The rest of traffic stopped for a red light. I was making my way to the limit line when a young lady decided she needed to force her way from the right lane to the left lane. I admit I was in no immediate danger, but I was looking in her mirror. She wasn't looking. That, um, "upset" me. Therefore, I pulled along side her, gave her the meanest you're-an-inconsiderate-idiot-are-you-trying-to-kill-me look I could muster from within a full face helmet and proceeded to go around her protruding bumper. Ah, but it was a tight fit. Not wanting to touch the Suburban she was trying to wedge behind, I "walked" my bike though the gap. I must have started with the wrong foot, because at about the third step I felt my right leg caught between the piping hot exhaust pipe and the girl's bumper. I hit the throttle and quickly powered out of the bind. It smarted. It left a mark that eight months later still reminds me of Romans 12:17-21. When I seek vengeance for myself, I'm the one that gets burned.

Respectful

OK guys and gals, let's have a quick run-down of why we should be respectful. Reason number one: Scripture says so. Do we need another reason? No, we don't. But here is number two:
Just as a husband giving lingerie to his wife is gift to himself, a wife giving respect is giving herself a gift.

As we prepare to give respect, we should know something of what we are giving. In the context of Eph 5:33, the word translated respect in the ESV is more often translated as some form of the word fear in the rest of the New Testament. This word is also very similar to the word translated as reverence (fear in the NASB) in Eph 5:21.

We can see that what we are giving is closely tied to fear. That your husband uses his strength to give you bear hugs in love rather than a full nelson in anger should be proof that he is at least somewhat respectable. Wives may want to remember this as they show respect. Your respect should be unconditional in Christ, just as you expect his love for you to be unconditional.

"But what are some ways I might show my husband respect?" you might be asking. Just as different guys feel disrespected by different things, so also they see respect in different ways.

Let me start with rule number one: Don't fake it. Empty flattery doesn't do anybody any good. I mean really, have you seen American Idol Laugh Out Loud night?

Second, watch how he shows respect. Remember, respect is love. Therefore, like a "love language" the way he likes to give is most likely the way he likes to get. Does he use titles such as "my Pastor" or "my wife" instead of names? Then try "My husband is wonderful." Remember rule one, of course.

Third, and maybe the hardest one, do Eph 5:22-24.