Faith’s Integrity:

 While Abraham’s nephew Lot still lived in Sodom, it was besieged by foreign kings who carried away its citizens and wealth. To save Lot, Abraham and a coalition of his allies pursued and conquered the invading army. Abraham returned in triumph, treasure and former captives in tow. After tithing from the spoils, a recognition that he credited God with his victory, Abraham engaged in an interesting conversation with the King of Sodom. Genesis 14:21-23 records,
 
The king of Sodom said to Abram*, “Give me the people and keep the goods for yourself.” But Abram said to the king of Sodom, “I have raised my hand to the LORD, God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth, and have taken an oath that I will accept nothing belonging to you, not even a thread or the thong of a sandal, so that you will never be able to say, ‘I made Abram rich.’
 
“To the victor go the spoils” is an ancient code and one that seems to have been followed at the time. This is made obvious by that fact that Abraham says later that he will accept only “the share that belongs to the men who went with me.” But for his part, Abraham would accept nothing from Sodom’s King. Notice, that Abraham made his decision before the King ever offered. Abraham said, “I have raised my hand … I have taken and oath” … past tense.  Abraham would not have his reputation (or more importantly God’s) mixed up with the wickedness of Sodom. Abraham put himself at great risk affecting the rescue and deserved a reward, but he would rather operate at a loss than make a deal with the devil. God had already prospered Abraham and had promised to do more. Abraham was zealous for God’s glory and reputation and would not do anything to sully it. This was integrity fueled by faith.
 
Integrity based on your faith in God will not necessarily make you popular. I know one Christian man who was repeatedly passed over for promotions because he refused his employers promptings to lie to clients. Abraham’s refusal to do “business as usual” did not make him popular with the King of Sodom. The very next verses reveal that Abraham’s stand left him feeling vulnerable.
 
After this, the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision: “Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your very great reward. Genesis 15:1
 
The integrity borne of faith trusts that God can be relied upon for both protection and blessing.
 
*Abram was later renamed “Abraham” by God.
 
 


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