I asked my dear friend Dale to meet at 7 a.m. for breakfast at our favorite place, BJ’s. We needed to prepare for the upcoming Bible Study Fellowship study of Romans. Yesterday morning I didn’t show up.

At 7:15 a.m. he sent this text message, “Morning Robert, are you going to be able to make it to BJ’s this morning?” At 7:54 I read his text and replied. Later today when I saw this picture on Facebook, I copied and pasted it to him. He replied, “So funny, but that is what I told the waitress.”

For some this is no big deal. It’s part of today’s “busy culture.” But I know better. I grew up watching my dad do what he said he would do. He was a man of integrity. There were no excuses. I not only let my dear friend down, but my dad, myself, and my Lord Jesus.

The central point is that people should see Jesus in our everyday life. And Jesus always did and always does show up. Knowing that Jesus will show up is called faith. When we act on that faith it is called trust. My friend Dale trusted me to show up.

I asked and received forgiveness from Jesus and Dale. But I know I must not casually excuse what I did. I must change from my previous ways (Repentance). Jesus said it this way. In Revelation 3:2-4, “Wake up! Strengthen what little remains, for even what is left is almost dead. I find that your actions do not meet the requirements of my God. Go back to what you heard and believed at first; hold to it firmly. Repent and turn to me again. If you don’t wake up, I will come to you suddenly, as unexpected as a thief.”

How about you? Are you skipping through life throwing out excuses like the little flower girl at the wedding?

“But Robert, we’ve all done it!” Yep. But it’s the words of Jesus, not the world’s way that I must return to for what is right. Jesus said,  “If you are faithful in little things, you will be faithful in large ones. But if you are dishonest in little things, you won’t be honest with greater responsibilities.” Luke 16:10-12

What “little thing” is the Holy Spirit whispering to your heart, “This needs to change”?

Integrity