Integrity

(My 12th Radio Christian Voice Commentary for 2015)

I have been thinking much about the subject of integrity these days. I have been driven to these thoughts by the sheer absence of truth and honesty especially in the public square. Hypocrisy and lying seem to have become the norm and no one blushes about it.

We are quick to point to politicians as liars—and it is probably true with most of them. This is seen from the false promises they make when campaigning. On the campaign trail they promise us heaven. After the elections, they deliver hell to us with a straight face.

However, it is not only the politicians who are guilty of this. Lack of integrity is seen all around us. Journalists twist stories to suit the message they want to convey to the people. Accountants cook figures to deceive people and steal money. The disease is everywhere!

It is also in the church. Church members lie when you ask them why they did not come to church. Sexual immorality continues in secret until a pregnancy takes place. Pastors claim the Holy Spirit has told them things he has not. I say this disease is everywhere!

Sometimes, the lying sounds very innocent. The other day, I was listening to the radio and the announcer kept referring to his radio station as “your favourite station”. I kept asking myself, “How does he know it is our favourite station?”

Many years ago, I used the statement “your favourite programme” while recording a programme for radio. My producer, Mrs Anne Chimbuvu Chiluba, stopped the recording and said, “Only say what you know is the truth.” That was a lesson I learned very early!

The problem with a society that lacks integrity is that it lacks trust and trust is not an optional extra to life. If I cannot trust you then immediately I cannot have dealing with you. I would rather protect myself from you. That is not how God intended life to be.

We need to train children from the earliest age that truth matters. This must begin with our example. Statements like, “How can you be cheating an adult like me?” are wrong. Kids should not cheat adults, yes. But they should not cheat anybody no matter the age!

God is the God of truth. His word can be trusted. He never deceives. He also demands truth from us. Enshrined in the Ten Commandments is a commandment that says, “You shall not bear false witness against your neighbour.” It forbids dishonesty in all forms.

Are you living a hypocritical life? On the judgment day, God will reveal the truth about you to the entire sea of humanity—much to your shame. Repent of such a life now and ask Jesus Christ to wash away all such sins in your life. Resolve to live a life of truth. Amen!