trbccoffeebreak

“May integrity and uprightness preserve me, for I wait for you.” Psalm 25:21 (ESV)

“Your tire looks low,” was the comment I heard on a regular basis. Despite my constant trips to fill it with air, the tire was low within a week. No brainer here – something was wrong, but when the tire was checked no nail or defect was found. So the cycle continued…put in air…wait one week….tire is low. Frustrating to say the least; however, a closer inspection indicated the problem was with the rim encasing the tire. Never would have thought to check that but my husband did. The leak was coming from the tire bead, which is the edge of the tire resting on the rim. A slow leak destined to continue unless we solved the real problem.

Wonder if we have ever experienced the slow leak of our personal integrity? Little compromises left unchecked will gradually lead to bigger issues. Peer pressure isn’t regulated to middle school and high school years. As adults, we’ve all probably faced moments when we simply wanted to fit in and not stand out. Going along with the “group activity” rather than walking away leaves us susceptible to lowering our standards. Like a slow leaking tire, these compromises won’t cease unless we resolve the real issue at heart.

Guarding our thoughts is key to resisting a slow leak. By saturating our minds with the very words of God, we are placing a safety net over our decisions and actions (Romans 12:2). When we daily surrender our will to His, we position ourselves to accept His authority. Avoiding the temptation to allow pride to dominate our actions, we humbly recognize the potential threat compromise presents (Proverbs 18:12). Best solution is to surround ourselves with people who speak godly truth into our life. By welcoming accountability, we institute a failproof plan to avoid the loss of our integrity (Proverbs 11:14).

Sweet friends, we are all on the same team – God’s team. As believers, we form the body of Christ. What we do, what we say impacts the entire body. The sting of regret far outweighs the pleasure of even one small leak. There is no joy found in the slow leak of one’s integrity – simply put it should grieve our hearts and remind us of our own potential to land in the same.

Praising God for His Grace which abounds to all who seek His forgiveness. Restoration and redemption can transform our biggest failures and turn them around to glorify God. Best decision ever is to leave compromises behind and stand firmly on the truths of God’s word.

“Father we can easily be led astray if our hearts and minds are not surrendered to You. Cultivate within us a deep desire to know and obey Your truth.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life