Broken Integrity
The Integrity Factor – Part 1

Scripture Reading: John 8:39-47

Key Verse: John 8:44

You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father’s desire. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies.

If you are able to read the suggested reading passage for today, you will get a sense of what we call a “bad case of denial.”  Jesus confronted the Jewish leaders and described their spiritual condition, which was not good.  These Jewish leaders bristled at Jesus’ words, refusing to admit what was going on in their hearts.  Their alliance was with the devil and his principles far more than with God.  According to our printed key verse, their “wants” (hearts) were all about the evil of the devil who is the father of lies.

When anyone starts defending themselves even though they know the truth about themselves, there is great denial going on.  For example, when a person tells a lie, they would be totally offended if someone called them a liar.  More than likely, they would refuse that label and make excuses for telling a “half-truth.”  Until we have Jesus in us, working His full restoration, we all have a “broken integrity meter.”  This leads to a low level of respect for ourselves.

A good definition of the term self-respect is a proper sense of one’s own dignity and integrity.  In other words, to have respect for yourself, your integrity must be operating at a high level.  Jesus was trying to convince these Jewish leaders to allow His words to guide them back to the proper integrity levels in their lives.  (Continued)

Father, when I lay my head down tonight I want to know that I listened and obeyed your voice.  Grant me your strength!  In Jesus’ name, amen.