Psalm 15

Integrating Faith and Work

Whitlock, Dutile

• Publisher: Resource Publications
• Year: 2008
• eBook ISBN: 9781498275644
• Topic: Theology & Religion
• Subtopic: Religion

Psalm 15 begins with two related questions: "LORD, who may dwell in your sanctuary? Who may live on your holy hill?" (v. 1). These are questions worthy of our consideration as Christian business professionals seeking to integrate our faith and our work. The psalmist answers the questions with the following description: "He whose walk is blameless and who does what is righteous, who speaks the truth from his heart and has no slander on his tongue, who does his neighbor no wrong and casts no slur on his fellowman, who despises a vile man but honors those who fear the LORD, who keeps his oath even when it hurts, who lends his money without usury and does not accept a bribe against the innocent. He who does these things will never be shaken" (vv. 2-5, NIV). Using this psalm as a basis, Southwest Baptist University's College of Business and Computer Science is devoted to educating "Psalm 15 professionals," who exemplify traits including integrity, service, respect, charity, faithfulness, truthfulness, humility, and perseverance. The devotions in this small volume draw readers' attention to the need for believers to exemplify such character traits. Contributions from the SBU faculty and administration remind us of the necessity to approach life and work with a biblical worldview. This volume is an abbreviated version of another Resource Publications book, A Noble Calling: Devotions and Essays for Business Professionals, also available from Wipf and Stock Publishers (www.wipfandstock.com).

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Integrity

The Essence of Integrity

Gordon Dutile

The Hebrew concept translated by the English word integrity communicates the ideas of completeness, soundness, wholeness, and purity. Even after Job had lost his family and all of his possessions, God said to Satan, “Have you considered My servant Job? For there is no one like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man fearing God and turning away from evil. And he still holds fast his integrity, although you incited Me against him, to ruin him without cause” (Job 2:3 NASB). It is the overarching essence of character. A person of integrity reflects the qualities of life that commend themselves to others. Integrity demonstrates strength of character that enables the individual, regardless of circumstances, to live out what Romans teaches. “And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose” (Rom. 8:28 NASB).

Consider Joseph who as a young man, probably a teenager, was sold by his jealous brothers into slavery. Many would have used his terrible circumstances as an excuse to give up and have a pity party. Instead Joseph revealed a rock-solid confidence in the sovereign God of Israel to guide, protect, and provide for him. He found himself in an Egyptian home and exhibited such responsibility that he ended up as the manager of the household. When he resisted the sexual advances of his master’s wife, she falsely accused him of attempted rape. He wound up in prison during which time he befriended the baker and cupbearer of the Egyptian Pharaoh, helping each of them interpret his dream. His only request of them was that when they got out, they would not forget him; however, he was forgotten. Ultimately, Joseph was remembered and became second in command in Egypt. He not only helped to save the Egyptian people during a difficult famine, but he became the instrument in the deliverance of his father’s family including his brothers who had sold him into slavery. His actions and responses during this saga were a demonstration of unquestionable integrity. He opted to exhibit self-control when he had the opportunity to fulfill self-gratification. He revealed trust in God when he could have yielded to despair and self-pity. He exercised forgiveness and compassion when he could have reacted in a spirit of anger and vengeance.

Proverbs has the following to say about the person of integrity. “He stores up sound wisdom for the upright; He is a shield to those who walk in integrity” (Prov. 2:7 NASB). “He who walks in integrity walks securely, but he who perverts his ways will be found out” (Prov. 10:9 NASB). “The integrity of the upright will guide them, but the crookedness of the treacherous will destroy them” (Prov. 11:3 NASB). “A righteous man who walks in integrity—how blessed are his sons after him” (Prov. 20:7 NASB). “Better is the poor who walks in integrity than he who is crooked though he be rich” (Prov. 28:6 NASB).

The Greek word used in the New Testament that I think most closely communicates integrity is a word that is often translated as pure or sincere. The root idea of the word is unalloyed. This Greek word is a combination of the words sun and to judge. It was used at times to describe the picture of a buyer examining a piece of glassware in the sunlight to determine if the merchant was attempting to cover a crack in the item by filling it with wax.

A Christian life characterized by integrity is able to withstand the scrutiny of a skeptical world. When placed under such intense examination, it reveals itself as unmixed, unalloyed, pure and sincere. This quality is exhibited in the life of one who has a personal relationship with the Lord Jesus. That relationship is constantly growing and is empowered by the Holy Spirit. The person of integrity is quick to realize that pride goes before a fall and, therefore, humbly recognizes her or his total dependence on the grace and mercy of God.

It is important to focus on the concept of unmixed, unalloyed, and pure. It is not an accident or coincidence that the first commandment is, “You shall have no other gods before Me” (Exod. 20:3 NASB). In response to the question as to which commandment is the most important, Jesus said it this way: “The foremost is, ‘Hear, O Israel; the Lord our God is one Lord; and you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength’” (Mark 12:29–30 NASB). To be a person of biblical integrity, he or she must be single-minded. There cannot be any split allegiance. In teaching the Bible, I have often noted that the appropriate approach to the Christian life is to be sold out to God. If our allegiance and commitment are to God and God alone, all other aspects or areas of life will be managed and cared for appropriately. If Jesus is Lord of all, He will guide the believer to do the right thing in every relationship and situation. We will not have to make a list of who or what comes next. The Lord will lead us to do what is right and best. Paul’s prayer for the Philippians was, “And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in real knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve the things that are excellent, in order to be sincere and blameless until the day of Christ” (Phil. 1:9–10 NASB). The Christian whose life is characterized by integrity is able to distinguish not only that which is good but that which is most excellent, that which is best.

I shall never forget the example set for me by a dear saint who was a member of the church that I served as associate pastor while I was in seminary. She worked for the government in a clerical area. She told me that when she was at her job, she did not take time away from her responsibilities to witness or to read her Bible. Her commitment to God and His rule in her life led her to believe that she was to be the best employee possible. To use company time to witness when she was being paid to work was an act of dishonesty and would be hurtful to her testimony as a Christian. When she was on her allowed breaks during the day, she actively looked for the opportunity to share her faith. Her focus in life was to be what God wanted her to be. She was single-minded in her purpose, unmixed in her motives. That enabled her to see all of life as a means to serve God. That commitment made her a better church member, wife, mother, friend, and employee. She exemplified to me what Paul meant when the Spirit led him to write, “Whether, then, you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God” (1 Cor. 10:31 NASB).

In summary, Christian integrity does not mean that the individual has reached a state of flawless perfection. It is, however, a virtue that results from the believer maturing in the image of Christ and growing more and more aware of her or his absolute dependence on the power provided by God. The textbook for integrity is the Word of God. Timothy received the following admonition from his mentor: “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, handling accurately the word of truth” (1 Tim. 2:15 NASB). The Christian who exhibits this quality will always exclaim along with the apostle Paul, “But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me did not prove vain.” (1 Cor. 15:10a NASB).

An Ethics Primer

Troy Bethards

Insider Trading. Falsified audits. Inordinately high CEO salaries. Mismanagement of pension funds. From Enron and WorldCom to the local clothing store owner who secretly videotapes clients in the dressing room, business is often portrayed as corrupt and manipulated by dishonest and immoral individuals. Though there are many professionals who perform their responsibilities ethically and legally, the headlines reveal the sad truth that many in business are driven by baser instincts. When faced with ethical dilemmas, how should the believer respond? The following ethical frameworks should be understood by all professionals and those preparing for careers in business.

Theological Framework: The theological framework is important for Christians because believers recognize that they answer to a higher authority and seek God’s guidance and direction in their lives. Making sure that their actions align with God’s desire greatly influences their decision making.Therefore, the primary question in ethical decision making is, “What is the desire of God?” To properly address this question, the theological system places its focus on the love for God and mankind, as well as respect for others.

Addressing the importance of love as a basis for determining morality, Hill references “ethicist Lewis Smedes [who] characterizes love as ‘the hinge for every other moral rule to swing on.’”1 The source for using the love for God and mankind is found in Matthew: “Jesus replied: ‘Love the Lord your God with all of your heart and with all of your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself’” (Matt. 25:37–39 NIV).

Another aspect of the theological framework is respect. Respect for all mankind is reinforced in 1 Peter: “Show proper respect for everyone: Love the brotherhood of believers, fear God, honor the king” (1 Pet. 2:17 NIV). If this framework were used to come to an appropriate conclusion, one must answer the question of whether a specific business action interferes or misdirects a person’s love for God and His ways. One must also consider whether a particular action encroaches upon the command to love and respect others. If the action violates any of these positions, then it should be considered unethical. For Christians, the theological framework would be an important component in concluding whether a particular situation or action is acceptable.

Legal Framework: Carl Fulda indicates how legal requirements can be used as an ethical framework when he states, “The law reflects the thought prevailing in the community, including its moral ...

Table of contents

• Title Page
• Acknowledgments
• Contributors
• Foreword
• Introduction
• 1: Integrity
• 2: Service
• 3: Respect
• 4: Charity
• 5: Faithfulness
• 6: Truthfulness
• 7: Humility
• 8: Perseverance
• 9: Putting It into Practice
• Epilogue: A Challenge