INTEGRITY: YOUR MOST VALUABLE ASSET

  


 By Rev.Michael Benson Ajayi 

Num 24:10-14 “King Balak flew into a rage against Balaam. He angrily clapped his hands and shouted, "I called you to curse my enemies! Instead, you have blessed them three times.  Now get out of here! Go back home! I promised to reward you richly, but the Lord has kept you from your reward."  Balaam told Balak, "Don't you remember what I told your messengers? I said, 'Even if Balak were to give me his palace filled with silver and gold, I would be powerless to do anything against the will of the Lord.' I told you that I could say only what the Lord says! “
      Prophet Balaam like every servant of the lord had his weaknesses, there is no servant of the lord who has not erred (Ecc.7:20) it is what makes the mercy of God indispensable to our existence. But in this case Balaam had a choice to turn against God and be rich beyond his wildest dream or remain with the truth and face the consequences.  He chose  the latter  against the expectations of the king and popular opinion .
          Our integrity will be tested with money and other inducements but the conviction that a person’s greatest asset is not intellectual achievements, beauty or how much money he or she has but his integrity before God and man, this makes it easier to overcome temptations. The greatest and most valuable currency in the world is not the Euro, Dollar or British pounds but integrity. It is a nation's’ greatest export ,more valuable than the mineral resources of any nation. Through , the missionary activities in Switzerland and the Bahamas , a culture of integrity has been imbedded in the citizens that has enabled them to develop a very high level of integrity in their financial system . These countries do not have much in mineral resources in comparison with some African countries but they have been able to export integrity as a resource and the rich and mighty would prefer their monies kept in these countries than anywhere else in the world.  A friend of mine narrated his experience in Switzerland: he had gone shopping and forgot his wallet with some large amount of cash in a shop and was amazed that the money and wallet was delivered to his hotel room by the police in company of the shop owner. These countries may not be completely devoid of sins but they have been able to prove a point to the world about the virtues of financial integrity. Preachers in Africa especially Nigeria are being ridiculed for compromising on their integrity and falling for financial inducement by persons of questionable character . 
        A man of integrity serves without expecting a reward. I once asked members of my congregation how many preachers would love to pastor a church without offerings and tithes? as proof to my commitment to the work I said we were not taking offerings and tithes for two months. I did this sincerely, without no alternative source of income and the result was remarkable still enjoyed till date. Every preacher of the gospel should device means on how to train themselves on integrity like Daniel (Dan.1:8-15) and Abraham (Gen.14:18-22). Not too many persons will reject an offering from the president of a great nation. It takes great love for God to develop integrity. Balaam refused to speak falsely in God’s name .Some modern day preachers would have had an emergency vision because of the financial gifts from the king. It does not pay to give up your integrity for money or the praise of men; doing so is counterproductive and could lead to the loss of one’s family and wealth.
   One of the signs of a true servant of the Lord is that he or she does not minister the gospel for money or fame (Isaiah 45:13), he or she is ever contented with life :they know that integrity and righteousness is a shield against disaster, it attracts goodwill and favour from God and men ;it is the greatest gift we can bequeath to our children. It is your most valuable asset; a guarantee to a glorious marriage and security against poverty.   Titus 2:7-8 NIV Says “In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us. “ 
Prayer : Heavenly Father forgive me of my sins against you I believe Jesus Christ died and was raised again for my salvation I receive him as lord and saviour and receive the Holy Ghost and power to walk in integrity in Jesus name.
Free prayer/counseling +2348098536911,+2348035536911 email:michaelbensonajayi@gmail.com

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