Integrity, Presentation of the Christian
Fanny Rodríguez
SUMMARY: The passage from John 1:45-51 shows the importance of cultivating the character of Jesus, especially in a society that values credentials over character. Nathanael was praised for his integrity, and we should strive to be true to our values and not deceive others. Let us take care of the image of Jesus that we present to the world. We cannot reach the stature of Christ on our own, but we can ask the Holy Spirit to help us live lives worthy of being called children of God.
Philip looked for Nathanael and said: We have found Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph, the one of whom Moses wrote in the law, and of whom the prophets wrote. From Nazareth! Nathanael replied. Can anything good come from there? Come see, Felipe replied. When Jesus saw Nathanael approaching him, he commented: Here is a true Israelite, in whom there is no falsehood. From where do you know me? Nathanael asked him. Before Felipe called you, when you were still under the fig tree, he had already seen you. Rabbi, you are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel! Nathanael declared. Do you believe it because I told you that I saw you when you were under the fig tree? You are going to see even bigger things than this! And he added: Truly I assure you that you will see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of man. John 1: 45-51
It ever happened to you that your mommy prepared a cake, she took it out of the oven and placed it on the table while it cooled and later distributed it. Then you or one of your brothers stuck your finger to prove it. When she saw the cake she asked: "Who put his finger in the cake?" and he or she said I didn't go, not knowing that my mouth was smeared with chocolate. Well they all laughed. But this is what we do in our walk with the Lord, we fail him and then ignore what happened.
Unfortunately postmodern society denies the importance of principles and values. Today the character of a person is not important to occupy a leadership position; the important thing is the credentials that have prepared you for that position. However, the Bible urges us to cultivate the character of Jesus: "until we all come to the unity of faith and knowledge of the Son of God, a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ."
In the John passage, there is a dialogue between Philip, Nathanael, and the Lord. When Nathanael approached the Lord, he said: "Here is a true Israelite, in whom there is no deceit." Integrity should be the quality that stands out in our lives. This is a testimony that impacts society where mediocrity, deception, lies, dissimulation are prevalent. Let us take care of the image of Jesus that we are taking to our jobs, and homes. What will the Lord say about me when I draw near?
Prayer: Heavenly Father today we want to recognize that by our strength we will not be able to reach the stature of Christ, but we ask that the Holy Spirit convict and exhort and strengthen us to live lives worthy of being called children of God. In Jesus' name, amen.
It ever happened to you that your mommy prepared a cake, she took it out of the oven and placed it on the table while it cooled and later distributed it. Then you or one of your brothers stuck your finger to prove it. When she saw the cake she asked: "Who put his finger in the cake?" and he or she said I didn't go, not knowing that my mouth was smeared with chocolate. Well they all laughed. But this is what we do in our walk with the Lord, we fail him and then ignore what happened.
Unfortunately postmodern society denies the importance of principles and values. Today the character of a person is not important to occupy a leadership position; the important thing is the credentials that have prepared you for that position. However, the Bible urges us to cultivate the character of Jesus: "until we all come to the unity of faith and knowledge of the Son of God, a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ."
In the John passage, there is a dialogue between Philip, Nathanael, and the Lord. When Nathanael approached the Lord, he said: "Here is a true Israelite, in whom there is no deceit." Integrity should be the quality that stands out in our lives. This is a testimony that impacts society where mediocrity, deception, lies, dissimulation are prevalent. Let us take care of the image of Jesus that we are taking to our jobs, and homes. What will the Lord say about me when I draw near?
Prayer: Heavenly Father today we want to recognize that by our strength we will not be able to reach the stature of Christ, but we ask that the Holy Spirit convict and exhort and strengthen us to live lives worthy of being called children of God. In Jesus' name, amen.
