BEYOND EHUD: THE LEFT-HANDED WARRIORS OF BENJAMIN PART 1: THE TRIBE THAT CARRIED AN UNUSUAL HAND

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BEYOND EHUD: THE LEFT-HANDED WARRIORS OF BENJAMIN PART 1: THE TRIBE THAT CARRIED AN UNUSUAL HAND Judges 20:16 (NLT) "Among Benjamin's elite troops were 700 select left-handed warriors, each of whom could sling a stone and hit a target within a hair's breadth, without missing." The story of Ehud introduced us to a powerful truth: God can use what people overlook. Ehud was not chosen because he fit human expectations. He was chosen because God saw purpose in what others may have considered unusual. His left-handedness was not a limitation. It was part of God's strategy. But after the story of Ehud, Scripture reveals something even more remarkable. Ehud was not the only left-handed warrior connected to Benjamin. There was a company of them. Seven hundred elite warriors. Men whose difference became their advantage. Men whose unusual ability became a weapon in the hands of God. This takes us beyond Ehud. A Tribe With A Surprising Identity The warriors of Judges 20 came...
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PRESERVING OUR INTEGRITY: BEING THE SALT OF THE EARTH PART 1

 

PRESERVING OUR INTEGRITY: BEING THE SALT OF THE EARTH PART 1

Matthew 5:13

"You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot."

Are You Losing Your Saltiness?


Imagine sitting at a dining table, about to enjoy a meal, only to realize that the food is tasteless because the salt has lost its flavor. You reach for the salt shaker, sprinkle some more, but still—no taste. Frustrating, right?


Now, think about this: What happens when a believer loses their saltiness? When integrity is compromised, when faithfulness fades, and when the light of righteousness dims, what remains?


In Matthew 5:13, Jesus made a profound statement:


"You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot."


Salt is essential—not just for taste but for preservation. As believers, our integrity preserves the truth and purity of the gospel in a decaying world. But when we lose our integrity, we risk becoming ineffective, just like tasteless salt.


In today’s devotional, we will explore what it truly means to be the salt of the earth and why preserving our integrity is non-negotiable.


What is Integrity?

Integrity is the quality of being honest and having strong moral principles. It means doing the right thing even when no one is watching.


Years ago, when I first became a Christian, there was a man of God who took me under his wing. He was highly respected—feared by some, admired by many. To my mother, he was like an idol, a true example of godliness.


For us youth, he was the mirror through which we saw right and wrong. He didn’t hesitate to call out sin, no matter who was involved. To everyone, he appeared flawless—a pillar of righteousness.


I served this man of God and his family for over a decade. I ran errands, washed clothes, pounded fufu, and did whatever was needed. I saw it as a privilege to serve the man of God who had been a guide to me.


But behind the pulpit, he was battling hidden struggles without weapons. His biggest weakness? Women and church money.


The truth came crashing down when my girlfriend confided in me about a man making advances toward her. She had no idea who he was—until one day, as we were walking together, I waved at him while he drove by. The moment she recognized him, she froze and whispered, “That’s the man I was telling you about.”


At first, I didn’t want to believe it. But the weight of past rumors, now confirmed by someone I trusted, shattered everything.


When the Salt Loses Its Saltiness

A believer without integrity is like tasteless salt—good for nothing. When our lives contradict our confession of faith, we don’t just fail ourselves; we fail those who look up to us.


Stay tuned for Part 2, where we will continue this story and explore how integrity—or the lack of it—can shape our spiritual destiny.


A Self-Check on Integrity:

Does my private life reflect my public profession of faith?

Are there areas where I have compromised my integrity?

Would those closest to me say that I am truly “the salt of the earth”?

Let this be a moment of reflection. Integrity is not just about how we appear to others—it’s about who we truly are when no one is watching.


PRAYER:

Lord, please help me to live with integrity in all things. May l preserve the purity of my faith and reflect Your righteousness in my words and actions. Amen.


1. Examine Your Life – Take a moment today to assess whether your words and actions align with your faith. If there are areas where you have compromised, seek God’s help in restoring your integrity.

2. Share This Message – If this devotional has blessed you, pass it on to someone who needs encouragement today. Let’s build a community of believers who are truly the salt of the earth.

3. Stay Tuned for Part 2 – We’re just getting started! In the next part, we’ll uncover deeper lessons about integrity and how to guard it in a world full of compromise.


Prince Julius Nenebi-Darkson

 (EL-PJ God's penman)

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