Theme: INTEGRITY
Text: “For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning. For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them…” – 2 Peter 2:20-22.
Comment: The call of God is a highly spiritual experience that is savoured by its beneficiaries. Someone like Saint Matthew or Levi celebrated his call by the master with merry-making. (Luke 5:27-29) Apostle Paul said: “And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry.” – 2 Timothy 1:12-14.
To trample on this divine privilege by withdrawing oneself from the truth through unbelief, offence or carelessness amounts to lack of integrity. The “pollutions of the world” Saint Peter talked about in today’s text include false doctrines, teachings and superstitions, worship of idols, “the lust of the flesh, lust of the eyes and the pride of life” – sin in all its ramifications. Apostle Paul, berating some of the weak ones in Galatia said: “…how turn ye again to the weak and beggarly elements, whereunto ye desire again to be in bondage?” – Galatians 4:9
Surely, “No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.” (Luke 9:62) Apostle Paul, talking about such ones said: “they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame.” (Hebrews 6:4-6) We pray the Almighty God to strengthen us His sheep to maintain our integrity so as to be “of them that believe to the saving of the soul”. – Hebrews 10:35,36,38, 39.