Philippians 4:8 (NKJV) Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.
The nature of hunting in general, but more specifically the nature of bow hunting, puts one’s integrity to the test over and over again. Webster’s definition of integrity is; firm adherence to a code of especially moral or artistic values. My personal definition; doing the right thing when no one else is watching. Bow hunting is, for the most part, a solitary experience. As a bow hunter, I head to the field, often alone, into a remote area, free from the gaze of others. Even my preparation mostly takes place without supervision or outside influence of another. Because of this solitude, my adherence to the law, and ethical practices rests almost exclusively on my integrity. It binds me to do things the “right Way”. The law determines a portion of what is expected of me, but my firm adherence to a moral code is what binds me to act accordingly.
Such as it is for our daily living as disciples. God’s law determines what we are to do, but our integrity; firm adherence to a code of especially moral or artistic values, binds us in deed. Often times in our day to day lives, no one is watching or no one cares. We can do or say things that are counter to God’s law, and have it go unnoticed or noticed with indifference. Because of this, it is often times easier to follow down a path that is counter to what God would expect of us. We marginalize things, cast aside our integrity for personal gain, satisfaction or convenience.
Where in your life do you turn a blind eye? How often do you do something that you know to be wrong, but because there will likely be little or no negative response you go ahead? I believe if we are being honest, most could find daily instances of this.
Our integrity should not be for sale, at any price, literally or figuratively. It is hard to always do the things the “right Way”, and we will fail, for sure. However, we should be striving daily to refine and embolden our integrity. Remember, just because no one else is watching, doesn’t mean God is not. Have a blessed weekend.
James 1:22-25 (NKJV) But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. 23 For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man observing his natural face in a mirror; 24 for he observes himself, goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was. 25 But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does.
In full pursuit of the greatest Trophy
