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Thoughts for a Shepherd's Heart - Fall 2007
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Thoughts for a Shepherd's Heart
"Integrity"
 The young man walked up to me, stopped, and said, “I’m sorry for the damage to your car. I was not paying attention and when I looked up, the traffic was stopped.” I was impressed!
Recently, I read an article regarding a self-study by Willow Creek Church and Pastor Bill Hybels. It revealed that the church model in which they invested, followed, and taught has not produced strong disciples of Christ– just numbers. Hybels was quoted, “Some of the stuff that we have put millions of dollars into thinking it would really help our people grow and develop spiritually, when the data came back it wasn’t helping people that much.” In effect, they announced, “We made a mistake...” I was impressed!
These two events impressed me, because, from the moment Adam and Eve first tasted the forbidden fruit, integrity and honesty have not been the hallmarks of the human heart. From the beginning, the father of lies has implanted a lack of truthfulness as this world’s native language (John 8:44). Believers, on the other hand, are called to speak the truth in love, to let our “yes” be “yes” and our “no” be “no,” (Ephesians 4:15, 25; Matthew 5:37). Sadly, a lack of integrity often permeates the thoughts, words, and deeds even of the redeemed.
I commend the honesty of that young man who hit our car. I admire the integrity of Bill Hybels in admitting such a major error. As pastors, we are called to set an example by doing what is good... we are called to demonstrate integrity in all of life (Titus 2:7). How can we be such an example to those who follow us if we are not willing to admit our mistakes, failures, and sins? Most of us find it hard to tell our wife and children we are wrong, let alone our church or community. Shepherding God’s flock is not a “do as I say, not as I do” calling.
David shepherded the people with integrity of heart (Psalm 78:72). Can we genuinely love one another if we are unwilling to speak truthfully? Are we truly ministering for God’s glory if our private lives do not match our prophetic pronouncements? My hope and prayer is that integrity will increase in our churches. May it begin with those of us who fill the pulpits and positions of leadership in God’s house.
With a Shepherd's Heart
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4/17/2010
Lancaster Alumni Breakfast at Shady Maple- 8:30 am
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