Starting from Scratch

You are not really interested in my sermon prep but stick with me. This was an accidental eye-opener for me that may impact your personal study.

The text was 1 Corinthians 9 where the Apostle Paul wrote: “To the weak I became weak that I might win the weak.” I wondered if the same Greek term for weak was used in James 5:14, a difficult verse which had been part of a recent study. I looked and discovered that the word was the same.

At that point I began to wonder how I could work this newly found gem into my sermon. It would support my long-held belief involving a controversial interpretation of James 5:14. After a few failed attempts it suddenly struck me that “I” had gotten in the way of Scripture with my purpose. I let myself guide Scripture instead of Scripture guiding me!
So, what is the point?

When studying the Bible the baggage of life that we each carry can become a distraction. That may include past teaching by parents, friends, trusted preachers, beloved authors, etc. Our perceptions can be tainted by the thinking of our society in our location at our time in history. It can be difficult to approach Scripture with a clear and unbiased mind.

I vividly remember beginning a study on the biblical teaching of baptism. Before opening my Bible and starting from scratch, I prayed for insight and for the ability to be honest with Scripture. I made a personal vow to God that I would follow the text of scripture and that I would change my views and my teachings where necessary. My prayer frightened me. I realized it such an approach would be the moment of truth thinking, “What if…?”

What if I discovered that I had been wrong all these years? How could I face my parents and close relatives? How could I continue preaching and teaching at the same congregation? What would I say to my wife and children?

On one occasion Jesus said:

Do not think that I came to bring peace on the earth; I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. 

--Matthew 10:34

He was not talking about a literal sword and fighting. Rather, he spoke about the cost of discipleship. Just a few verses later He added:

He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me; and he who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me. And he who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me. (verses 37-38)

When reading and studying God’s word we cannot merely rest on the understanding from parents, friends, preachers, authors, or anyone else. We must engage in our own independent study. The result may be that we have to turn loose of teachings and conclusions from our past. It may mean clarifying teachings that have not been fully understood. We are each responsible for our understanding of the Bible. So, whether it is a passage of text like 1 Corinthians 9, a topic like baptism, or a question on a current social issue, mom and dad must not stand in the way of God’s word. Trusted people and fine Bible resources must not stand in the way of God’s word. And certainly, “I” must not stand in the way of God’s word. Ultimately, we must each start from scratch in our journey with the Lord.

That is not to say that we can trust no one in our study. Rather, it is to emphasize one’s personal responsibility in his study and his response to God. Only with sincerity and devotion will you be counted worthy of Jesus.


Mark Stinnett

March 16, 2025

Standing Among Greatness

It is, once again, that time of year: the annual celebration of mothers, Mothers’ Day, the end of the school year, the opening of pools across America...and graduation ceremonies.

Graduation is just what the word implies, an incremental advancement, but more specifically in one’s educational conquest. It is a time to celebrate a milestone of achievement. For many, high school will be their last, for others, college. It is a time of excitement because it closes the chapter on one phase of life while at the same time opening another.

There are forms to fill out as a person approaches graduation and thereafter. That is true whether additional formal educational is on the horizon or you look for a job. I remember hearing about a naïve young man who was out of work and turned to the Bible for help. He closed it in misguided frustration when he found no help in the book of Job. If only he had turned to Proverbs.

Like clouds and wind without rain

is a man who boasts of his gifts falsely.

—Proverbs 25:14

Do you see that this proverb applies to your resume and all those forms you fill out? Some folks try to play the system and put themselves in the shoes of an employer. They reason (by assuming) that other people boast excessively or even lie on their resume. So, in order to compete, they do the same. Is that wise??

The proverb reveals truth. If you boast falsely, that is, lie on a resume or in an interview, you might actually succeed in getting what you have applied for, but the lie will catch you. The cloud, figuratively speaking, boasts of rain, but has none to offer. You will be like a cloud without rain having little to offer. So, tell the truth.

I have heard numerous Christians describe their experience in writing resumes, filling out job applications, and interviewing. They sincerely wish to avoid pride, but know that they need to communicate their level of education, skill , and experience. They have to speak positively about themselves. It is like walking a tightrope between integrity and pride. All those who feel the struggle should be admired. Those who do not share this struggle and enjoy self-boasting should rethink their attitude.

Jesus instructed His disciples to speak the truth plainly. He said to let your “Yes” be “Yes,” and let your “No” be “No.” In simple terms, tell the truth and do so clearly. Don’t play games.

You should know, however, that telling the truth is not enough. That is called honesty, and it is imperative. But you need to be a person of integrity. A person of integrity might be described by saying, “He is a man of his word.” He is honest, but he also follows through with all the things he has said. If he makes a promise, that is, gives you his word, he keep it.

There was a time when people would speak and those listening believed that they would keep their word. Paper forms and legal contracts were unnecessary because integrity was valued, expected and honored. Integrity still is valued.

If you set an appointment, keep it. If you say you will accomplish it, do it. If you assure someone that you will help them, do not back out because the timing is inconvenient. You do not have to use the words, “I give you my word,” or “I promise”; your word should be just as strong. If you speak it, follow through according to your word. Those who live a life of integrity stand among the greatest and find approval with God.

Mark Stinnett

May 28, 2023

How Difficult is Integrity?

As a kid, the idea of integrity mostly began and ended with honesty, but now I know there’s more to it. What else should we be thinking about? What does the Bible say about integrity?

Depending on the translation that you use, the word integrity is found in the Bible only 25-45 times, and then, predominantly in the Old Testament. There, the word integrity translated a family of Hebrew words focusing on the idea of uprightness. So…?

A person who is upright, or full of integrity, certainly is one who is honest. This person does not tell lies. Yet, integrity impacts more than our verbal expressions. Integrity calls for honesty in communication, but also in one’s work and in one’s relationships.

A man or woman of integrity always does the best job he/she can do. Work includes a job for pay, volunteer work, an assigned task at school or at home, and even a self-assigned task. Each task will be considered important and will be completed.

A person of integrity works with the same effort and quality whether working for himself or working for someone else; whether working by himself or with coworkers; whether the boss is present or not.

Integrity means that you will be responsible with respect to your work. You will follow through with a task you’ve agreed to. You will complete a task that you’ve begun, even if it costs extra time and money.

In addition, you will decline to do things that you already know that you cannot do or do not have the time to do.

Paul encouraged workers to work with a good attitude as if they were working for the Lord.

Slaves, be obedient to those who are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in the sincerity of your heart, as to Christ; not by way of eyeservice, as men-pleasers, but as slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart. With good will render service, as to the Lord, and not to men. 

--Ephesians 6:5–7 (NASB95)

That is working with integrity.

Integrity also involves honesty in relationships.

In your relationship with God you keep His word. You value purity, morality, goodness, holiness and righteousness. In other words, you stay focused on the path of righteousness and avoid evil.

Do not turn to the right nor to the left; 

Turn your foot from evil.

--Proverbs 4:27 (NASB95)

If you make a promise to God, you keep your word. He considers it to be a vow and expects you to honor it.

Guard your steps as you go to the house of God and draw near to listen rather than to offer the sacrifice of fools; for they do not know they are doing evil. Do not be hasty in word or impulsive in thought to bring up a matter in the presence of God. For God is in heaven and you are on the earth; therefore let your words be few. For the dream comes through much effort and the voice of a fool through many words. When you make a vow to God, do not be late in paying it; for He takes no delight in fools. Pay what you vow! It is better that you should not vow than that you should vow and not pay. Do not let your speech cause you to sin and do not say in the presence of the messenger of God that it was a mistake. Why should God be angry on account of your voice and destroy the work of your hands?
--Ecclesiastes 5:1–6 (NASB95)

A person of integrity abides by the law, but is also concerned with ethical behavior. It might be legal to take advantage of someone who is naïve or uninformed, but it is not ethical. Jesus rebuked the Pharisees for being overly concerned with the letter of the law, yet neglecting “justice and the love of God.”

But woe to you Pharisees! For you pay tithe of mint and rue and every kind of garden herb, and yet disregard justice and the love of God; but these are the things you should have done without neglecting the others.

--Luke 11:42 (NASB95)

A person of integrity is concerned about fairness whether it is beneficial for himself or not. He is concerned about the well-being of others, not just himself. This attitude translates into kindness and benevolence and generosity. (Remember Zacchaeus in Luke 19.)

A person of integrity looks at all people with value recognizing that he is really no different. He is not prejudicial, but treats everyone with respect. (Reflect on the Good Samaritan in Luke 10.)

Integrity describes a person who is righteous in all things, one who is complete in godly character, one who is of sound judgment. A person of integrity is honest, good, kind, responsible, dependable, fair, just and equitable. This person has a good reputation and values a good name.

Is integrity difficult? What do you think? It all depends on the things in life that you value.

He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God. 

— Micah 6:8 (NASB95)

Mark Stinnett

November 14, 2021

Do You Think This is an Odd Pair?

Quick! Fill in the blank…

The rich and _______________.

You might have though of a synonym like wealth: The rich and wealthy. You might have thought of something that compares with, or goes along with rich, like power: The rich and powerful. Or, you might have considered a contrasting idea, like poor: The rich and poor.

My simple point is that there are familiar ways that things are paired together. With that thought in mind, take a look at this proverb:

     Better is a poor man who walks in integrity

     Than he who is perverse in speech and is a fool. 

     —Proverbs 19:1

What did you expect to be paired with ‘poor man’?

It might not be obvious at first, but the ’poor man’ is compared to 'the fool,' i.e. the 'foolish man.' The poor man’s way of life is described by the phrase, 'who walks in integrity.' The fool’s way of life is described by the phrase, 'who is perverse in speech.' Now that we have the parts of proverb matched up, how do we make sense of this saying?

The word 'poor' in this proverb comes from one of eleven different Hebrew words to describe the poor. It is used almost exclusively by Solomon and indicates destitution. How does it strike your mind that a destitute person would walk in integrity? In many ways poverty and integrity are odd partners. A man who is destitute lacks the basic needs of life. He probably does not have a place to live (homeless). He has nothing that resembles a wardrobe of clothing, but has only the clothing on his back. He does not have enough food. It is an understatement to say that he is in need.

Now, imagine a destitute man with integrity. That means that even though he has virtually nothing, he is a man of good character. He is an honest man, reliable and fair in his dealings with others. He is morally good. Judging him by his worldly possessions, he is empty and practically worthless; yet judging him by his character, he is complete.

Compared to the poor man of integrity is the fool who is perverse in speech. Used primarily in the Book of Proverbs the Hebrew word for perverse means to twist or to make crooked. It is used to describe sin. So, perverse speech suggests the sin of deception.

Perverse speech describes the way of the fool. It is curious that the Hebrew term used in this verse for fool literally means to be fat. It has a positive sense of strength, though it is usually used in a negative sense of heaviness and inactivity, therefore often translated with terms such as stupid and fool/foolish. However, the idea of strength appears to fit this context when compared to a parallel proverb (Proverbs 28:6).

     Better is the poor who walks in his integrity

     Than he who is crooked though he be rich.

     --Proverbs 28:6

In both proverbs crookedness or perversity of speech might even be the means by which the individual became strong/rich.

The lesson is simple, but so difficult for people to embrace:

We would all agree that it is better to be strong/rich than to be destitute. However, if strength and riches are accompanied by sin, they are of no real value. The man of integrity is better off even if he is destitute of the world’s goods.

So, “Do I have to give up my possessions to be a man or woman of integrity?” Wrong question!

Rather, we should ask ourselves: “Am I a man/woman of integrity?”

Do you value integrity???

Dads, What Is the Best Gift You Can Give Your Kids?

My dad had an old mantel clock that he received from his father. It belonged to his father’s father. I’ve always thought it was a beautiful piece. It holds sentimental value because it belonged to my great-grandfather, and because my dad literally took it apart, piece by piece, cleaned all the pieces and put it back together -- correctly.

A few years ago mom and dad visited and brought the clock. I am the oldest son, actually, their only son. The intended to keep the clock in the Stinnett family and wanted to give me the clock while they were still alive. It was a wonderful and moving gesture, but honestly, I never really cared much about the clock.

Don’t get me wrong (and don’t tell mom), the clock is a beautiful piece. It still holds sentimental value. However, it IS just a clock.

Dad is gone now; the clock remains. Thankfully, the clock is NOT all that Dad left behind. He was a Christian man, a man of integrity, a true servant. By his life he taught many lessons that are of much greater value than the clock. His words of wisdom are still with me. His devotion to Christ and dedication to God’s word stand as an example to follow.

The clock was a special gift, but his life...a far greater gift.

   A righteous man who walks in his integrity-- 
   How blessed are his sons after him.
   --Proverbs 20:7

Dads, when it comes to our children we have a responsibility. Each day we have a choice. We choose what we will leave behind for our children.

It's fine to leave behind clocks and other things, but wouldn't you like to leave behind the really good stuff? Let's leave our children something far superior to the 'stuff' we possess. Let's leave our children a life of righteousness and integrity that reflects the way of Christ!

Are You Ready for Wisdom?

From the time I was quite young I was taught that wisdom could be defined as “knowledge applied.” I accepted this brief definition without reservation. Now, I am quite sure it is too brief and easily misunderstood.

• “Knowledge applied” easily focuses too much on man’s intellect.
• “Knowledge applied” easily focuses too much on man.
• “Knowledge applied” easily gives the impression that just about anybody can possess wisdom.

Yet Solomon wrote:

   He stores up sound wisdom for the upright; 
   He is a shield to those who walk in integrity.
   --Proverbs 2:7

A lot of folks pursue wisdom in one way or another. However, wisdom is not given to everyone. God gives to the upright person, that is, the one who lives according to His instruction.

Drawing from Proverbs 2, consider wisdom from God’s perspective. The first few verses identifies the kind of individual that will receive His wisdom.

God looks for those who will listen, who have a willing attitude of the heart:
   Make your ear attentive to wisdom, 
   Incline your heart to understanding. (v. 2)

God listens for those who call out for wisdom:
   For if you cry for discernment, 
   Lift your voice for understanding. (v. 3)

God looks for those who make a diligent search for the treasure of wisdom:
   If you seek her as silver, 
   And search for her as for hidden treasures. (v. 4)

The search for wisdom results in reverence toward God and the knowledge of God:
   Then you will discern the fear of the LORD,
   And discover the knowledge of God. (v. 5)

God himself is the source of wisdom; man is not able to obtain or attain true wisdom on his own:
   For the LORD gives wisdom; 
   From His mouth come knowledge and understanding. (v. 6)

So, God does not give his wisdom to just anyone, but only to those who strive to live according to His instruction:
   He stores up sound wisdom for the upright; 
   He is a shield to those who walk in integrity. (v. 7)

• Do not think that you can gain God’s wisdom by your efforts alone.
• Do not think that by merely reading the scripture wisdom will be poured into your mind.
• Do not think that by merely applying biblical knowledge that you are wise.
• Do not think that you have or will gain the true wisdom of  God if you are not living according to God's love and holiness.

Do you truly desire God’s wisdom?
Then ask yourself, "Have I prepared myself for wisdom?"

You Won't Take Anything With You...Except...

     Better is the poor who walks in his integrity,
     Than he who is crooked though he be rich.
     --Proverbs 28:6

Wealth is better than poverty: Material things.

Integrity is better than being crooked (perverse): Character.

When a man faces God he will not carry material things with him, only his character.

Choose wisely.

When a Handshake Meant Something

Frustration?
That’s an understatement.

Times have changed. There was a time when a man’s word was his bond. A gentleman’s agreement meant something. A firm handshake sealed the deal. It was a time when integrity and honesty were held high as marks of good character. Nowadays everything needs a legal document . . . because so many people are not trustworthy. Frustrating, to say the least.

What changed?

Men still make claims. Men still desire for their word to be their bond. Yet, words are spoken, promises broken. American politics is a vivid example of the ‘state of the union.’ (Maybe we should have a contract drawn up with all those 'promises' before elections.)

   Many a man proclaims his own loyalty,
   But who can find a trustworthy man?
   --Proverbs 20:6

The proverb is telling in every age; certainly in our day. People make claims. Perhaps they believe their claims. Perhaps they are full of good intentions. Yet, as the saying goes, “Talk is cheap.” That is Solomon’s point. Anyone can make claims. Yet, how rare and refreshing it is to find a person who lives up to his/her word.

The reality of this proverb is clear. But is that it? Was it written merely to exclaim the difficulty in finding someone who is true to their word? Or is there something more?

• Do you ever tell a friend that you will do something, but then make an excuse and bail out when a 'better offer' comes up?
• Do you tell everyone 'yes' because you do not want to hurt anyone's feelings?
• Do you make promises you cannot keep?

Recognizing the rare and precious value of a person of integrity, one who values honesty and proves himself to be trustworthy by his actions, I think we should ask ourselves a question: 
Am I trustworthy?