5 minute read
My devotional: Transition marked by integrity
from TT 162
by TIMES TODAY
Transition Marked By Integrity
By Liz Omondi | Email: timestodayke@gmail.com | Image credit: pinterest.com
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Acts 20:26-27 NIV
Who can withstand the heat?
While certain parts of Europe are experiencing serious heatwaves, the political temperatures in many countries also have been rising over the past few months causing leaders to step down in a bid to cool temperatures.
Two weeks ago, the United Kingdom Prime Minister, Boris Johnson announced his pending resignation and will remain in office until a new party leader is elected. A few days ago Italy’s President Sergio Mattarella dissolved parliament triggering a snap election following the resignation of the country’s Prime Minister Mario Draghi. Their national election will take place in September.
Not forgetting the Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa who resigned earlier this July from his sudden exile in Singapore, a day after fleeing the country he led for nearly three years. His resignation was triggered by the civilian uprising over the island nation’s economic collapse.
These resignations of political leaders in high office are a rare phenomena in Africa. Hardly do we see any leaders resign for any reason including ill health and incapacitation to serve the people.
The freezing temperatures in Nairobi are not warming up to the heated debates for elective positions in the run up to Kenya’s general elections in two weeks. Transitions are inevitable and the question begs, which of these leaders can withstand the heat on hot-button issues touching on integrity when the time comes to pass on the baton?
While we are in a season of politics, it is easier to think only about the politicians when matters integrity are discussed, but really, the question is for all of us; when the job is done and you have to move on, could you confidently say that you are innocent of any claim that may be made against you? Could you stand before God and men and declare that you have completed the task assigned with all integrity?
A simple definition is integrity by the Oxford Advanced Learner’s dictionary is, “The quality of being honest and having strong moral principles.”
Considering the task God gave Paul, to preach to the Gentiles, what did he mean in his farewell speech to the Ephesian elders in Acts 20:17-38 when he said,
Consider Samuel the prophet, when he was transitioning and handing over leadership to King Saul, as he delivered his farewell speech he said,
Also, as Jesus Christ was completing His mission here on earth, John records one of His prayers specifically for the disciples whom He had been mentoring for three years. He prayed,
From these examples from the Scripture we see speeches that are peppered with integrity. I am both challenged and encouraged that in whatever space God has placed me, the tasks He has given me to do, I should I carry them out with utmost integrity because one day, when the time comes to transition, I will need to present my report to Him.