TUESDAY October 19, 2021
Integrity in Friendships
A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.
Proverbs 17:17
Paul could trust many of his friends with his life. Tychicus was such a man. I have known friends I can trust with my life––my wife, adult children and close friends. It is important to have God’s discernment when choosing to trust friends. I have been hurt by some friends who betrayed me. I know Satan constantly tries to destroy friendships. I believe the Lord takes care of all these situations. It is best to learn to forgive and forget.
God’s love and forgiveness was one of the beautiful traits in Pastor Chuck Smith’s character. Many times, I have seen him get hurt, ripped off and betrayed. Yet he would just smile so big. He was one of the greatest men I have ever known in my life. He was a great role model to follow.
I also respect Billy Graham’s legacy and integrity. Faithful men surrounded him in ministry. They actually made a covenant together:
In 1948, Billy Graham began a series of evangelistic meetings in Modesto, California, along with his ministry team, comprised of Cliff Barrows, George Beverly (“Bev”) Shea and Grady Wilson. Through a series of conversations about ministry life and its challenges, the group met together in Modesto and resolved to uphold the highest standard of Biblical morality and integrity. Their resolutions became known as “the Modesto Manifesto.”
It did, however, settle in our hearts and minds, once and for all, the determination that integrity would be the hallmark of both our lives and our ministry ... Billy Graham’s commitment to integrity stems from his relationship with Christ.
God kept them together for many years, during which time they were faithful to one another. They kept their integrity in ministry. Billy Graham and his team remained blameless before a secular world. You can only build God’s kingdom successfully with such people as these.
The dearest friend on earth is a mere shadow compared with Jesus Christ.
~Oswald Chambers~
For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!