Articles
One Righteous Person
Integrity and honor matter. Is there not one person of honor? Abraham kept asking God how many righteous souls it would take for Him to be willing to spare the nation of Sodom and Gomorrah. Abraham finally asked if there were ten righteous souls would God be willing to spare the nation? God said, “Yes.” It seems to me Abraham quit asking before God quit giving. In the days of Jeremiah, God said, “If there is one righteous man, He would spare the nation” (Jeremiah 5:1).
I firmly believe the reason God allows the United States of America to stand today is because the righteous still have an influence. Anybody can have integrity, but it is to be a part of the fabric of one’s character for the child of God.
As I look today at the scene in America, I ask, “Where is that one person of integrity?” This is a generalization, but it is disheartening when our elected officials, no matter the office, serves for their own good, not the good of the nation. All parties do it. One is not more righteous than the other. Those who serve are to serve for the good of the governed, not themselves. For all the partisan nonsense that is splashed before us, imagine the good of the nation that could be done if those representing Americans worked for the good of the United States of America. Where is that one person of influence who is a person of integrity and is unwilling to sell their honor?
But let’s narrow it down. Where is that one person of integrity in the Lord’s church that makes the difference? It does not have to be an elder or a preacher. Just that one Christian who everyone knows is a person of integrity. Yes, I believe there are many among God’s people. Among those many, there is always one that stands out above all others. All know that person is the one that will not sell their honor for any price. It is that one who holds all together. The picture of integrity and honor is brighter among God’s people than in the nation.
But bring it closer to home, the home. Where is that one person of integrity, who is righteous that will make the difference? Sadly, the frailties and fault of the nation and imperfection in the church are even more magnified in the home. They even come from the home. It should be that the home is the place of righteousness, beauty, and peace, but too often it is the very opposite. Fathers are selfish and abusive. Mothers are selfish and fail to love their husbands and children. Too often, we hear in our world of children harmed by the two people they ought to be able to trust. God intended of the marriage relationship to present the image to the world of Christ and the church. Instead, it presents the image of Satan.
Let’s bring it even closer to home. Ask, “Am I that one righteous person who will not compromise my integrity or sell my home? Am I that one righteous person who can spare the world of God’s wrath?” If I am that one person, my nation, my church, and my home will be better. Never under-estimate the power of one righteous individual. One righteous person makes all the difference in the world.
Rickie Jenkins
