Ready:
"For we are taking pains to do what is right, not only in the eyes of the Lord but also in the eyes of man." —2 Corinthians 8:21
Set:
The team bus pulled away after the game. Laughter filled the back seats. Then someone pulled out a phone and showed an embarrassing video of a teammate who had stumbled during warmups. Everyone laughed. Moments later, the video was posted to the team chat. A few seconds later another message appeared. "Don't tell him." Your thumb hovered over the screen. Staying quiet would be easier. Minding your own business meant someone would be hurt. What do you do?
Integrity is tested every day. Doing what honors God can cost popularity, acceptance or simply the awkwardness of doing what's right. Displayed character has a price tag. The question is how a follower of Jesus pays it.
Daniel was a teenager when King Nebuchadnezzar offered him the king's food. He faced a choice — and a cost. He "resolved that he would not defile himself.” Daniel 1 goes on to point out how Daniel responded to the choice. He didn't demand or embarrass the official. He respectfully asked permission, proposed an alternative and trusted God with the outcome.
Years later Paul displayed the same attitude: "For we are taking pains to do what is right, not only before the Lord but also before people." Paul accepted extra accountability so no one would question his integrity. Daniel accepted the risk of remaining faithful to God while in exile in Babylon. Both understood that honoring God often comes with personal cost.
So back to the bus. What would you do? The video is still on your screen. Your teammate still doesn't know. Staying silent is easier. But integrity asks, "What honors God?" Christlikeness asks,
"How can I reflect Jesus?" Maybe it means refusing to join the ridicule, privately approaching the teammate who posted it, encouraging the embarrassed student or respectfully alerting the coach before more damage is done.
The Holy Spirit instills your heart with truth, wisdom, courage, humility and love long before difficult moments arrive. As you follow Jesus, you're ready to choose what honors God — and reflect Jesus in how you respond.
Go:
When have you stayed silent because doing the right thing felt awkward or costly?
Do you think Daniel's attitude mattered as much as his decision?
Which of your relationships needs both truth and Christlike love this week?
Workout:
Overtime:
“My God and my Coach, let me be willing to pay the cost of having good character. May I always seek to honor You and reflect Jesus in my words, actions and attitudes. Amen.”