The Mark of Integrity

There are some things in life that I learn quicker than others. My high school Social Studies teacher taught me that keeping your word is a sign of integrity. It is one of the things that has stayed with me all my life. Mr. Bauers was his name. I don't remember too many names but his I carry with me. He was a Korean Vet, wounded in the legs and so he had to use metal braces to walk. He never spoke about it or told any stories.

As I was sitting in his class one afternoon, he passed out the multiple choice test he had promised to give us. I remember his specific instructions. "No talking during the test. If I catch anyone talking I will take their test, and they will receive a zero." Wouldn't you have it, my friend sitting behind me and her friend beside me decided to share answers. The next thing I know, Mr. Bauers stood up told them to stand up and to bring their test papers to him. They did, they handed the test to him and he marked zero on both and told them to sit down. That was that! A couple of days later, a Friday, we were to hand in our homework assignments at his desk. I told him I didn't do mine, I didn't offer any excuse. I was expecting a big fat zero. He looked at me for a second and said, hand it in Monday. I was completely surprised. I spent the weekend getting it done. I knew he was a man of his word and he gave me another chance. More than that, he instilled in me a sense of integrity. To this day I have carried him with me.

When I was introduced to Jesus a few years later I wasn't sure what I was getting myself into. I soon found out that Jesus, like Mr. Bauers, was someone I could trust. Jesus has offered me Grace that I can rely on. He has offered me companionship on my walk in life. He has offered me eternal love which will always be there. Christ, my Savior, is a man of His word even unto the Cross. Christ calls us to love others with integrity. Christ reminds us that is all we need to do:  keep the Word and keep your word.

God loves you!