"Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God." (Hebrews 12:1-2)

The above passage is the passage for our national youth gathering, under the theme of "ENDURE."

One thing I've heard since the incident of the (former) CEO and his HR person's embrace on the Coldplay kiss cam is this: "We need more men with integrity." That's not the issue. The issue is one of not being on bent knee daily admitting, confessing, and asking God for forgiveness from our sin.

Integrity implies you are already there. Nike once ran an ad of a man running, no words, just running. At the end of the commercial was the slogan, "There is no finish line." I loved it as a principal over a school of 900+ students. In learning, there is no finish line. In life, there is no finish line. Every day we are running a race, a race of endurance, learning the truth and unlearning false teachings. Each. And. Every. Day.

To say, "I'm a man of integrity" gives the impression you have arrived at the finish line and won the race. Our only crown in life comes through faith in Christ Jesus, whom we turn to daily as men seeking integrity by confessing our sin daily to him and seeking his forgiveness.

John reminds us in his epistle: If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:8-9)

Seeking the truth, God's truth, is a daily pursuit. Shedding the weight of our sin is a daily pursuit. Trading haughty behavior for humility is a daily pursuit (Psalm 138).

Pray with me: God, forgive me when I sin. I confess these sins in my life of which I, and only I, have sinned against you. Forgive me and strengthen me to live each day dedicated to hearing your Word and taking it to heart. In Christ's holy name, Amen.