Our “Inner Compass” is our integrity.  In other words, integrity is our internal framework of principles.  Our integrity, or Inner Compass that points North, is our desire for honesty, truthfulness, and accuracy of one’s actions.  Integrity is having the qualifications of being honest, strong moral principles, and high ethical standards.  If one’s integrity is questioned or attacked, he or she may immediately go into a defensive mode of wanting to correct what is said against them.  There becomes a strong desire to protect one’s integrity.  For me, to have my integrity attacked is one of the most hurtful things someone can do to me.

In Matthew 26:59-69, Jesus is on trial before the High Priest.  His integrity is on the line.  He is being blamed for blasphemy.  Jesus’ integrity as the Son of God was being questioned and attacked.  While my response would be to prove that I am who I say I am, Jesus just stands there.  I can only imagine how difficult it was for him to take the insults and the accusations.  In fact, they begin to spit at him and hit him.  And, he just stands there (vv. 67-68).

And so, why did Jesus not do anything to prove himself and protect his integrity?  I wonder if it because when people’s hearts are so hardened, they will not hear the truth regardless of what you say or do to prove yourself innocent.  Furthermore, I wonder if it even matters.  Isn’t it true that it is ‘really’ only important that God knows the truth?  As long as, our hearts are right with God, it doesn’t matter what other people think of us.  In the end, it is up to us to guard our hearts from the evil in the world.  Jesus didn’t need to prove himself – He was completely sinless and righteous.

Let us pray…Gracious God, when we are attacked and our “Inner Compass” is on the line, help us to come to you for guidance.  Help us to remember that you will protect us when we try to do what is right.  Give us the strength to know that you always have our backs in the face of attack against our integrity.  We love you so much.  Amen.