The Four Tenets of Not-So-With-YOUParaugs

What Values do we uphold in our lives?

Humility

The third tenet of the Not-So-With-You Command is Values. Chris Wright, in his 2010 Lausanne speech, explained HIS as being Humility, Integrity, and Simplicity. Throughout history, these three values have not been upheld. Despite numerous asks for humility, we see our leaders are far from humble. They look at their organizations, works, followers, and palatial houses and, puffed up with pride, repeat after Nebuchadnezzar; “Is not this great Babylon, that I have built for a royal dwelling by my mighty power and for the honor of my majesty?” (Dan 4:30, NKJV).

Integrity

When it comes to integrity, today’s world is more like what the prophet described in Micah 7:2-4. Let us examine why this is so. A couple received a call from the office of the principal of their son’s school. They were asked to come and meet the principal. As any parent would be, they were worried about what mischief their son had committed. They reached the principal’s office with fear and trembling. The principal told them that there is a problem with their son who is in 2nd grade. The problem is that the child steals pencils, erasers, and similar things from his classmates. “We must deal with this”, the principal told them. The parents were shocked. The father told the principal. “Madam, I am shocked and embarrassed with my son. I really do not know why he should do this. Everything he needs and much more, I can bring from my office and give to him.” We may laugh at this story. But the fact is that we live in a culture where integrity is not black and white. We live in an adjustable culture. We hear that constantly in any language we speak, and if we do not adjust, we are seen as fanatics and inflexible. This is where we have to compare the world’s standard of integrity with God’s standard. We all know the story of Job. We know that it is a happy ending story. But before the happy ending, when Job is suffering, his friends give him long lectures on how God is a good God, and if something bad is happening to Job, it could only be because he has done something wrong. I love Job’s reaction to this accusation in Job 27:3-6. No wonder Job was the only person on whom God was willing to place a bet.

Simplicity

When it comes to Simplicity, we come across many who are never satisfied with what they have. They do not know contentment and hence, keep looking for ways to show off, rather than showcase the good work of Jesus Christ.

Self-reflection

Where are we? Are we walking the values and being HIS?

Prayer

Lord, help me to understand that your Son exemplified HIS in His life. Help me to embrace humility, have a high standard of integrity, and be content with simplicity, just as your Son did. In His name, I ask this.