Man of Your Word

Integrity is ‘everything’ today. If people cannot trust that we will do what we say we will do, things begin to collapse. We see this to be true, especially in politics. Politicians rarely do what they say. Instead, they say what they think we want to hear, then do what they want to do. It might be ‘popular’ among politicians, but it is widespread among Christians.

The Lord said this parable, “A man had two sons; and he went to the first and said, ‘Son, go and work in the vineyard today.’ And he answered, ‘I will not’; but afterward he repented and went. And he went to the second and said the same; and he answered, ‘I go, sir,’ but did not go. Which of the two did the will of his father?” They said, “The first.” Jesus said to them, “Truly, I say to you, the tax collectors and the harlots go into the kingdom of God before you. For John came to you in the way of righteousness, and you did not believe him, but the tax collectors and the harlots believed him and even when you saw it, you did not afterward repent and believe him.”

Matthew 21.28-32

We say we believe in Christ, but we do not live what we say. We behave like the son who promised to go into the field, but never showed up. Right about now, you’re asking, “Who me? I do what God tells me.” Do you?

Do you love your enemies? Do you forgive those who wrong you? Do you slander others? Do you get the point? We may go to Church every Sunday. We may even receive Holy Communion every Sunday. But, if we do not do the simple Christian actions as Christ commands, then we are no better than the son who promised but did not deliver.

Being a Christian is much more than saying a few words. It requires being a ‘man’ of your word. If we say we believe, then let’s start doing. How can we pretend to be Christians if we do not love others enough to get dirty and uncomfortable in their struggle?

It begins with doing one thing at a time. In your prayers today consider where you have fallen short in follow through. You may not have gone out into the vineyard yet, but there is still time. Once you know where you need to be, then you can go there.

If you need help deciding where to begin, sit with your spiritual father. He can help you accept where you are falling short and find a way to get back on track. His vision might sting a bit, but you will be ok. Pruning the vine is painful but required for growth.