How can we apply the lesson of Matthew 28:15 to modern-day integrity? Setting the Scene Matthew 28:15: “So the soldiers took the money and did as they were instructed. And this story has been spread among the Jews to this day.” • Guards at the tomb accepted a bribe to perpetuate a false report that Jesus’ disciples had stolen His body. • Their decision created a long-lasting lie, directly opposing the eyewitness truth of the resurrection. The Heart Issue Identified • Love of money over love of truth (1 Timothy 6:10). • Fear of earthly consequences outranking fear of God (Matthew 10:28). • Willingness to compromise for immediate comfort instead of eternal reward (Hebrews 11:24-26). Modern-Day Integrity Lessons • Falsehood spreads quickly and endures; truth must matter more than convenience. • Accepting “hush money” or personal gain at the expense of honesty damages our witness. • Integrity is tested when no one—except God—seems to be watching. Practical Ways to Live It Out 1. Guard your motives – Before any decision, ask if financial, social, or professional pressure is steering you off course. 2. Commit to transparent speech – “Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor” (Ephesians 4:25). 3. Refuse unethical gain – Decline perks, bribes, or shortcuts that require even a small lie. 4. Accept short-term loss for long-term righteousness – “Better is a poor man who walks with integrity than a rich man whose ways are perverse” (Proverbs 28:6). 5. Keep short accounts with God – Confess quickly when tempted or when you fail (1 John 1:9). 6. Surround yourself with truth-loving believers – “Bad company corrupts good character” (1 Corinthians 15:33). Scriptural Encouragement • Proverbs 10:9: “He who walks in integrity walks securely, but he who perverts his ways will be found out.” • Psalm 15:1-2: “O LORD, who may dwell in Your tent? … He who walks with integrity and practices righteousness, who speaks the truth from his heart.” • Colossians 3:9-10: “Do not lie to one another, since you have taken off the old self… and have put on the new self.” Closing Thoughts The bribed guards of Matthew 28:15 remind us that compromising truth for immediate benefit plants seeds of long-term deception. By treasuring honesty above gain, we honor the risen Christ and safeguard our integrity in a world still eager to purchase silence and spread falsehood. |
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