Let Integrity Guide You

“The integrity of the upright guides them, but the crookedness of the treacherous destroys them.” Proverbs 11:3 ESV

In a story published yesterday by Reuters, the following was reported: Kenyan marathon runner Titus Ekiru has been banned for 10 years, the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) said Monday, for both doping and tampering in a case that involved collusion with a high-ranking doctor in a Kenyan hospital. One of his positive tests, for triamcinolone acetonide, came at the Milan Marathon in May 2021, which he won in a time of two hours, two minutes and 57 seconds, which would currently rank him the seventh-fastest all-time marathon athlete. The ban comes after an investigation found the 31-year-old obstructed the AIU's probe into two adverse analytical findings (AAFs) by using false information and documentation. His ban runs from the date of his provisional suspension on June 28, 2022 until June 27, 2032. His results on and since May 16th, 2021 have been erased and he must forfeit all race prizes and money. Wow.  Ekiru’s lack of integrity sure cost him a lot, didn’t it? 

And you know when it comes to the quality of being honest and having strong moral principles (aka doing the right thing when no one is looking), the Bible tells us that “the integrity of the upright guides them, but the crookedness of the treacherous destroys them.” In other words, the moral wholeness that comes from following God and His statutes leads to blessings and peace but the deceitfulness that comes from following the world and its ways leads to destruction and sorrow.   

So be diligent in maintaining your integrity my friend by studying the Word and putting it into practice each and every day. This will not only keep you from damaging your reputation and destroying your life but from ruining your witness for Christ, which would be the biggest tragedy of all. 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for the Bible that clearly tells us how a follower of Christ should live. Lord, while we will never be perfect, help us to strive to live lives of righteousness so that the lost would be drawn to the One that inspires this unworldly behavior that brings peace, joy and happiness. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!