“Ye are witnesses, and God also, how holily and justly and unblameably we behaved ourselves among you that believe: As ye know how we exhorted and comforted and charged every one of you, as a father doth his children, That ye would walk worthy of God, who hath called you unto his kingdom and glory” (1 Thessalonians 2:10-12).
Introduction
Paul here, without boasting, reminded the Thessalonian believers how he and his team behaved while they were amongst them. He defines what Christian integrity truly is in three brief statements: (1) He maintained a holy walk; (2) He acted justly with everyone; and (3) His life was blameless. This is reminiscent of Micah 6:8, “He hath showed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?” For the believer holiness, justice and purity are the ingredients of integrity, for they describe how we live for God, towards others and for ourselves. “Holily, in the things of God. Justly , with regard to men. Unblamable, in respect of ourselves” (John Wesley). As their spiritual father he wants them to have personal integrity too.
A sinning Christian?
The apostle Paul would have a hard time understanding how believers today could claim to be born again yet never manifest anything of the new birth. To suggest that a Christian has to sin is the same as saying that Christ’s blood is not powerful enough to deliver us from bondage and the power of sin. The three words in the text (holily, justly and unblameably) reveal the high standard of Christian living that Paul expected to see in the church. In other words, they needed to “walk worthy of God” as evidence of the wonderful change that had taken place in them.
Paul encourages the church to copy his way of life. “Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ” (1 Corinthians 11:1). The pathway of discipleship is not an easy one to tread; instead it demands our attention and commitment. “How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation” (Hebrews 2:3). To be a dedicated follower of Christ means that we are going to have to pay the price. It is utterly unscriptural to say that we must sin because we are only human.
Walk worthy
“I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called” (Ephesians 4:1) … “That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God” (Colossians 1:10). The only way we can achieve what is actually normal Christianity, is to “cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God” (2 Corinthians 7:1). No wonder Paul could write to the church, “Receive us; we have wronged no man, we have corrupted no man, we have defrauded no man” (2 Corinthians 7:2). Any inconsistency or hypocrisy would cause God's name to be "blasphemed among the Gentiles" (Romans 2:24).
The Kingdom is at stake
Believers are called to reign with Christ (see 2 Timothy 2:12). How can we expect to enter into His Kingdom and glory in Heaven if we do not bother to walk in integrity on earth? “When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory” (Colossians 3:4). Without the highest level of integrity we will fail to enter. “Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord” (Hebrews 12:14). “Our great gospel privilege is, that God has called us to his kingdom and glory. The great gospel duty is, that we walk worthy of God. We should live as those called with such a high and holy calling. Our great business is to honour, serve, and please God, and to seek to be worthy of him” (Matthew Henry). “And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment; That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ” (Philippians 1:9-10).
Conclusion
Charles Spurgeon wrote, "A good character is the best tombstone. Those who loved you and were helped by you will remember you when forget-me-nots are withered. Carve your name on hearts, and not on marble." How we live reveals the heart of who we are, and our behaviour and actions are what others see. Integrity has to do with the consistency of what we do and who we claim to be. The opposite of this is hypocrisy. Are we honest, faithful, trustworthy and consistent in our daily lives? Do we make excuses for not living up to the standard God has revealed in His word? What kind of role model are we to other believers? In our conduct and conversation, we must maintain holiness, for we are the children of God who believe in the Bible. “The integrity of the upright shall guide them” (Proverbs 11:3).
© 29/1/2008