“Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but he who makes his ways crooked will be found out.” – Proverbs 10:9
This week has been a crazy time in the world of baseball. The Astros, world champions in 2017 and runner-up in 2019, were punished for cheating over the past few seasons. Currently, there are more details coming out that possibly reveal them going to even greater lengths to have the edge over their opponent. It’s been fascinating to follow how divided people are over this situation. On one side, people are repeating the old motto, “If you ain’t cheating, you ain’t trying” and extremely upset about the former Astros player who exposed what the Astros were doing. On the other side, people are disappointed by the lack of integrity shown by the players and coaches and consider the “snitch” a hero for coming forward.
There are many things to discuss when it comes to this situation, but for our purposes, it’s important to note how this proverb, although written thousands of years ago, continues to ring true today. We can be sure that when we step off the road of integrity, we will be exposed in this life or the one to come. The enemy loves to convince us of the exact opposite. He whispers: “No one will know…Everyone’s doing it…Think of the reward…” However, just like the Astros organization is finding out, the one who walks on the crooked path will be found out.
While the enemy beckons you to follow him down the crooked path, seemingly to great reward, God calls you to follow Him down the narrow road of integrity. To be clear, the road of integrity is not always painless; in fact, it may be more challenging and unpopular, but it’s the way of Jesus. Those on the crooked path are fearful and insecure of being exposed, but whoever takes the road of integrity walks with Jesus and, for that reason, is secure.
- Prayerfully reflect over your life. Are there places of “crookedness”?
- Repent and trust that God’s grace is enough.
- Ask God to guide you by His Spirit in the way of integrity.
