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       In Proverbs chapter sixteen verses one and two (NLT) we read these words: We can make our own plans, but the Lord gives the right answer.  People may be pure in their own eyes, but the Lord examines their motives.

       We live in a high tech world where countless lines of data are transmitted around the world at incredibly high speeds updating bank accounts, relaying military instructions, clarifying government policies, and sharing a myriad of other important information.  Needless to say, the integrity of the data is crucial.

Each piece of information is transmitted in a digital format which means that it is broken down into lines of code, bits that can be thought of as a series of ones and zeros.  But how can the sender be assured that the message has been received without error?  Well, the data structure used will contain integrity checks.  One such simple check will define the lines of code to be either even or odd parity.  For example, if even parity is defined, then the number of ‘one’ bits in a line of code should always be an even number.  One slot in each line of code will be defined as the parity bit.  It will be inserted at the transmitting end with a one or a zero to ensure the number of ‘one’ bits in each line of code adds up to an even number.  The receiver constantly checks the number of ‘one’ bits in each incoming line of code to ensure it is an even number.  Just one error will be detected, and the electronics will request a resend of that line of code.

In these words from Proverbs we see that the Lord is acting as an integrity check examining our motives to ensure that our words, thoughts and actions are grounded in pure motives.  In first Corinthians eleven verse twenty-eight Paul encourages his readers to do a self-initiated integrity check to ensure our hearts are right with the Lord before taking part in the communion observance.

Practicing integrity checks in our lives is a valuable exercise.  Welcoming the Holy Spirit to be part of the process will surely bring clarity to our motives!  Warning!  A call to repentance may be part of the process.

                                                                                                    Pastor Dave