«Put away from you a deceitful mouth and put perverse lips far from you. Let your eyes look straight ahead, and your eyelids look right before you» (Proverbs 24:24, 25).
INTEGRITY
A few years ago I visited the Center for Contemporary Creation in Matadero, Madrid (Spain). One of the exhibitions grabbed my attention and I decided to go in. The title was based on an African proverb: «Until the lions have their own historians, the history of the hunt will always glorify the hunter.» The exhibitions showed in a very creative way—such as the case of a lion with a gag—some of the great injustices in this world that are approved by the majority of its inhabitants. Truly, when did we ask lions what they think about hunting? Who defends them? Who tells their stories? Actually, we only know one version of the hunt, that is, the hunter’s version, who has enough resources to spread his stories and seduce the world with his fascinating adventures in the African continent. He’s the hero who deserves to be admired, because he displays great courage and bravery to go out and kill terrible beasts. And since there are no historians in the feline world, to most of society, that becomes the only unquestionable truth regarding the hunt.
We live in a world that glorifies sin and calls what’s good evil, and what’s evil good. A world where the wrong profile is presented regarding those that supposedly triumph in life. «For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God» (2 Timothy 3:2-4). Thus, millions of people rush headlong into money, pleasure and power without caring if they crush someone who blocks their way on life’s path. Sadly, many people think that to be the only truth around which the world orbits.
What’s missing? Hearing other historians. Yes, those who have a different story to tell. The story of the life, death and resurrection of Jesus, who gives us the hope of eternal life and will soon come in glory and majesty. Yes, a story that exalts love for others, kindness, self-denial, generosity, integrity, reverence toward God. But that story needs messengers to fervently proclaim it.
Will you be one of them? What story do your actions reflect today? God can help you tell the true story.