I tuned into "Dateline" last night and saw another sad episode of "To catch a predator." In case you have not watched, it is a show in which men who have engaged in explicit sexual online conversations with police officers who pose as 13 year boys or girls are invited to a home to meet their prey. In reality, they are only going to meet the police. Once there, some are brazen in their attempts to lie their way out of their predicament., Some are pathetic as they realize that they are facing a tough time at home and/or at work when they have to explain their choices. Most grow apologetic when they see the Chris Harris and the TV cameras. They are charged with crimes, depending on the statutes of the state in which Dateline is operating. And - their double life is exposed. It is a tragedy all around - for children they may have exploited prior to being caught; for wives at home, most of whom have no idea of the secret sordid lives of their husbands, and for the men who are enslaved by lust and who are unwilling to seek out the help they need to overcome their sin. These men are not all 'losers,' either. Clergymen, physicians, teachers, lawyers, tradesmen with steady jobs and good homes are all in the mix!
My Bible readings this week have taken me to the book of Daniel, in preparation for the class I'll teach this evening. As much as anything in that book, I am captivated by his amazing integrity. As a teenage boy, taken by the Babylonians into servitude, far from home and under great pressure to conform, he held to principle over expedience. Throughout his life, he held onto that honesty. As a result, he became a trusted advisor to 4 kings, with a career that spanned about 70 years. If you know his story, you are aware that he and his friends paid a dear price, more than once, for their refusal to 'go along to get along!' They made a trip through a fiery furnace and he through a night in a den of hungry lions! As an old man, his reputation was stellar, such that when Belshazzar, the king, needed someone to interpret a troubling vision, he was told to call Daniel. Those who recommended him, knew that Daniel would not sugarcoat the message, would not bend the words to appease the king. When he appeared before the terrified king, he was offered wealth and privilege to tell the meaning of the handwriting on the wall. Here is Daniel's response. “You may keep your gifts for yourself and give your rewards to someone else. Nevertheless, I will read the writing for the king and tell him what it means." (Daniel 5:17, NIV) In other words, "I am not for sale!"
Are you for sale? It is said that every person has a price. I don't want to believe that, but there is certainly a mountain of evidence that lends credence to the idea that for the right amount of money, for 15 minutes of fame; people will sell their souls. Do you have a price? Are you worthy of trust, a person of solid character all the way to the core? Is there a level at which you will compromise your integrity?
Those are painful questions but we need to ask them often of ourselves. Hidden compromise and secret sin is a source of rot in our souls. It isn't just about lust like that which is featured on Dateline. It could be financial irresponsibility, abuse of alcohol or drugs, flirting with members of the opposite sex when you travel, feigned spirituality, hatred hidden deep under layers of sweet talk - any situation where you know that in your heart you are not the person others believe you to be.
The only cure is confession! Getting honest - with yourself, with God, and with others - is the way that we become people who can be trusted, whose lives are marked with integrity. Deal ruthlessly with any areas of rot in your life, friend - for God's sake. Quit making excuses, blaming somebody else, or looking for loopholes. Call it what it is. And, find a confessor. Millions have found freedom from terrible habits and/or addictions in 12 Step groups. Is it because they find some amazing revelation there? No, not at all. It is where they start to tell the truth. When they have to say it out loud, in front of others who once told the same lie, they have to deal with it.
Value integrity like a treasure. It is! Nothing makes a person more admirable, more respected, than integrity. Jesus demands it from us. He said, "Let your Yes mean Yes... nothing more, nothing less!"
Here's a word from the Word for your meditation today. It points the way to integrity, to a life that can be lived in the light without fear."If we claim that we experience a shared life with him and continue to stumble around in the dark, we’re obviously lying through our teeth—we’re not living what we claim. But if we walk in the light, God himself being the light, we also experience a shared life with one another, as the sacrificed blood of Jesus, God’s Son, purges all our sin. If we claim that we’re free of sin, we’re only fooling ourselves. A claim like that is errant nonsense. On the other hand, if we admit our sins—make a clean breast of them—he won’t let us down; he’ll be true to himself. He’ll forgive our sins and purge us of all wrongdoing." (1 John 1:6-9, The Message)
Hallelujah, what a Savior!
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