Doing right when we think no-one is watching
by Jo Corney
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For we are setting our minds on what is right not only before the Lord but also before the people (2 Corinthians 8:21).
The Cambridge Dictionary defines integrity as ‘the quality of being honest and having strong moral principles that you refuse to change’. I’ve heard it simply put as ‘doing the right thing when no-one is watching’. To maintain integrity in all ways and on all days is tough.
In today’s devotion, we could turn our attention to the ‘liberal gift’ that Titus and another believer were entrusted to take to the Corinthian church. However, my thoughts have been drawn more to what Paul highlights about the importance of integrity: that honesty, trust, fairness, respect and responsibility, combined with courage (held to even in the face of adversity), govern actions.
Paul noted the solid experience shared by him and the churches of those men sent with this gift to the Corinthian churches. He is clear that they do their best so that their actions in this matter are honourable and of integrity before God and people. Paul seeks to show that this gift is handled in a thoroughly honourable and transparent manner. There was more resting on this than just the money getting to its destination. There was a loving sacrifice represented in this gift. It was the collective action of believers who trusted that the need they heard of was true, and they trusted that what they gave would be used for this, that their giving would be honoured.
These words remind us of the importance of integrity in our Christian life and service. Responsibility and trust should be part of our day-to-day actions. These reflect our faith, and integrity in our behaviours is part of this. It is human to make mistakes, and it is very sad to see integrity compromised by mistakes. This has far-reaching ramifications and harms both the person who failed and those they failed. We can all fall in our integrity in some way at some time, for which we seek forgiveness; however, our aim is, as Paul noted in this verse, ‘For we are setting our minds on what is right not only before the Lord but also before the people.’
May we be mindful of the Lord’s sight of us and the observance of others as we live. May we seek to be helpers of one another and hold to integrity. This is not to earn favour with God through good conduct, as we know our salvation is by grace alone, through faith alone in Christ alone, but so that we don’t hinder the message of the gospel to those around us and, in our private relationship with God, can be free in his gaze.
Every blessing to you.
Loving God, please help us to be mindful of integrity and seek to live in it. Please help us so that our actions show your love and bring honour to your name. Amen.
Jo is a wife and mum who serves in various roles in her local Lutheran church and also in chaplaincy as the assistant director of Chaplaincy and Ministry Development for Lutheran Services.
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