xtra Character inFocus

Integrity - “the quality or state of being of sound moral principle; uprightness, honesty, and sincerity” - yourdictionary.com

"When Uriah came to him, David asked him how Joab was, how the soldiers were, and how the war was going... David said to [him] 'Go home and rest'... [David] sent a gift to him... But Uriah did not go home.." - 2 Samuel 11:7-9 NCV

During the war with Ammonites while David left in Jerusalem, he asked for the status update from Uriah (one of the soldiers), checking commander Joab, and the army. He told him to go home, relax, and even sent him a gift. But Uriah didn't.

There's a war with the enemy. You can't just stay relax, calm, and cool knowing that your teammates, who also have families, are perspiring, battling and committing their lives against flesh and blood for your country. That's what Uriah had in mind. He was one of the soldiers under Joab's unit. (King commanded him to go home and relax during the war. Queer ey?!?) Being a man of integrity and responsibility, he refused to slack sitting pretty in his couch at home during work even the boss told him to do so.

He knew it was his job as a man and soldier to fight and conquer. He didn't get hired and received entitlement of a warrior to "go home to wine and dine and sleep with [his] wife..". He swore that he "will never be guilty of acting like that." - 2 Sam 11:11 LAB. He knew his responsibility and a man of character.

For the second time "David invited him to dinner.. but even so he didn't go home that night.." - 2 Sam 13 LAB

He knew his stance and remained true to his character and strong sense of belief. Decisions are guided by his values in life regardless of who influenced and commanded him to do it. They remain inside the boundaries of his standards.

Character is what you are in the dark - D.L. Moody

What are your integrity test scenarios? At work, at school, at home, and at play. Even if your boss, senior, and peers say or do it? Will you?
How do you respond to those situations?

Pleasing God or Man?
Fearing God or Man?

Before working, always remind yourselves.
"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters." - Colossians 3:23 (NIV)









**Note: Versions are New Century(NCV), Life Application Bible(LAB), and New International (NIV)
Photo taken: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:AntiJapanesePropagandaTakeDayOff.gif

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