Integrity Tested By Fire

 

 

MEN’S NET

 

INTRODUCTION:

When we are surrounded by peers who do not fear God and do disgusting things that He hate, what should we do?  When these people make fun of us and say evil things against our integrity, should we defend ourselves just to prove that we are successful?

 

I.          Shadrach, Mehshach, and Abednego faced the trial of integrity.

·         They faced the trial when serving other gods was the law of the land and they were different.

·         They faced the trial when defending themselves was the easiest thing to do and they did not.

 

II.       Shadrach, Mehshach, and Abednego proved their uprightness before God not matter the cost.

·         They chose to go into the furnace because God will rescue them.

·         They chose to go into the furnace even if God will not rescue them.

 

III.      God was with Shadrach, Mehshach, and Abednego through the test of fire.

·         No trace of harm could be found in them.

·         God promoted them.

 

CONCLUSION:

Our integrity will face the test of fire.  We can prove to God that no matter what happens to us, we remain true to our declaration.  Singles who successfully pass the test of integrity are not left alone in difficult situations.  God is with them through it all.  He is the One who defends and promotes us.

 

 

 

 

REFLECTION:  Let us ask ourselves the following questions:

·         Was there a time in my home, workplace, or ministry when people around me did not care at all if they were upright before God or not?

— Did I feel that I was different from them?

— Why or why not?

— How did I feel?

 

·         Was there a time when people started to gossip about me and tell lies about me just to question or disqualify my integrity?

— How did I feel about it?

— Did I defend myself? 

— Why? If not, why not?

 

·         Was I willing not to defend myself no matter the cost?

— Why? If not, why not?

 

·         Was there any permanent harm that happened to me after such difficult situation?

— If yes, what was it?

— If none, what do I think could be the reason?

 

·         Did God promote me after a difficult test in my integrity?

— How was it?

 

APPLICATION:

 

— prayer of commitment –

Dear God, I choose to keep on serving You even if it will cost my own interests.  No matter how difficult the situation may be, I know that You will rescue me.  And even if You will not, I still choose to be upright before You.  I believe that You will be with me through it all.  Amen.

 

— statement of commitment —

Whenever I feel different because I am the only one remaining to serve God, I will continue to serve Him.  Whenever I feel different because I do not protect my own interests when others do so, I will continue to be selfless.  I am willing to count the cost in keeping my integrity before God.  I will trust Him that no harm will fall on me and that in His perfect time, He will promote me.

 

CLOSING PRAYER