July 22 - Integrity

'Whatever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest.' Ecclesiastes 9:10

The Liberal Democrat leader Tim Farron has resigned over his religious beliefs.

In a statement he said it was "impossible" to remain leader while "living as a faithful Christian".

Farron faced repeated questions during the general election campaign about his views on homosexuality after he refused to say whether he believed that gay sex was a sin.  He said the experience had led him to believe that we do not live in a tolerant society.  I seem to be the subject of suspicion because of what I believe and who my faith is in," he said.  In which case we are kidding ourselves if we think we yet live in a tolerant, liberal society."

He said he had not been able to "[remain] faithful to Christ while leading a political party in the current environment." (Business Insider UK June 14^th 2017)   Have you wondered what you would have done in his place? Or, if you knew this was to be your last day on earth? It's a sobering thought, isn't it?

The media, over the past couple of months, have broadcast tragedy after tragedy - many lives lost - many bereaved families. Just like that! - no warning! Here one second - gone the next!  I can't help but wonder what thoughts had been going through the people's minds. What plans did they have for the day ahead?....perhaps marriage plans?

James was in the prime of life. Just finished a 1^st degree in medicine. The future was bright with opportunity. He was assigned to work in a district hospital and had proposed to his girlfriend. Not long after, he drove into the city to finalise wedding arrangements, but, as he drove home, head in the clouds, one of the car tyres blew out, causing a major accident....bright prospects….about to marry. James was killed.

What thoughts had been running through the minds of others just before tragedy struck? Unfinished jobs they hoped to get done? Decisions they hoped to make on their return home. The surprise holiday they were planning for the family? Were they working out how they could spend more time with the children? Probably apologies were due when they returned home for 'losing it' that morning because they couldn't find a clean shirt, or get into the bathroom first? 

More importantly, did any of their plans for the day include God? Did they know of His amazing mercy and grace? Had they been told? Had any of them given their heart to Jesus, in prayer, that morning? Life records, suddenly truncated. How did they stand with God - saved, or awaiting the dreadful declaration found in Matt.7:23; 'I never knew you; depart from me, ye that work iniquity.'

All around the world - today - at this moment - the words so familiar to us all….'today, thy soul is required of thee,' are being fulfilled….people are being faced with their eternity.

I ask myself this too. If this was my last day on earth, how would I spend it? What would I do? How many wrongs would I need to make right? How many letters of apology would I have to write? What legacy would I leave behind? All I know is, for me, it would be a cram-packed day! Procrastination would sum it up.

Throughout the Bible we read stories of people putting their head in the sand, thinking there'll be plenty of tomorrows to put things right….'let's enjoy ourselves while we can!'

The temptations facing our young people today are horrendous, and much of the trouble they get into stems from things not of their making. They're corrupted by people who grow fat on their money; who worship the idols of power, and instant gratification. People that live for today, and don't care about tomorrow.  Describe the state of the world in Noah's time, and, like in Sodom and Gomorrah, you describe the world today. Marriage, divorce, juvenile delinquency, crime, alcoholism, immorality - name it then, we've got it now! Everywhere, bloodshed, hatred and destroyed relationships. There was a time when a man said, 'I'll kill you,' he was only bluffing. Today, he means it.

There's no time for God and the last warning message. Many hear the appeals and are persuaded they should accept, but, like the people of Noah's day, they laugh it off - put off their decision for another day. Every excuse is put forward - 'it'll interfere with my reputation, my lifestyle. If I accept that, I'll lose my job, and my partner and friends will definitely walk!' Others see no sense in Christianity at all.

We have freedom of choice, and that takes integrity-the type of integrity shown by Tim Farron. Have we made our choice and given our lives totally to Jesus afresh today, so we have the peace of knowing 'it is well with our souls?' In the past great changes to civilisation took place gradually. Now that's changed. History has shifted up its gears. We're in over-drive. God's next intervention in our affairs will be swift. Decades won't pass into centuries, and centuries into millennia before the total break-up of civilisation. The crisis is close. We must heed the signs! We have no time for fence sitting. It's decision time now. Today may be our last chance to choose the life Jesus died to give us.

If today were to be our last day on earth - I wonder - where would we stand?

“What Would You Give In Exchange For Your Soul?” - Doc Watson and Ricky Scaggs. Click on the picture to listen.