Generation Z: Born for the StormSample

Born for Integrity: Zacchaeus

People today don’t emphasize integrity; they are divided. They have a spiritual life, a secular life, a romantic life, a work life, a family life, a private life, a social media life—and they embrace different values in each one. They can be angels in church on Sunday and act like fallen angels at work on Monday. Drunkenness, sexual sin, stealing, lying, vindictiveness, jealousy, hatred— the list goes on—are widely accepted.

An ancient lie tells us our hearts can remain pure even when our bodies commit impure deeds. But fractured, dissonant lives must be made whole, or destruction awaits (Revelation 21:8). The Bible teaches that our love for and relationship with God must lead to obedience if it is to be acceptable (John 14:15; 1 John 1:6, 2:3–4). Integrity will be critical for Gen Z’s leadership in the twenty-first century.

Zacchaeus was the chief tax collector of his region. He was wealthy and successful in one of the toughest places on earth: Jericho. His reputation preceded him, and it was not good. Zacchaeus lacked integrity, and his wealth and accomplishments left him empty. He knew he was missing something; then, he heard about Jesus. Zacchaeus was curious. He wanted to connect with this man whose reputation for doing good preceded Him.

Because Zacchaeus was short, he could not see over the crowd, so he climbed up in a sycamore tree for a better view. When Jesus arrived, He called for Zacchaeus to come down from the tree. Jesus then invited Himself to the home of the tax collector, which quickly set off a flurry of gossip. Luke records that Zacchaeus welcomed Jesus gladly. People could not believe that Jesus, the Healer, would go to the house of this sinner.

Zacchaeus was converted by the focused attention and love of Jesus. He welcomed Jesus into his empty heart and home. Zacchaeus immediately declared he would give half his possessions to the poor and pay back fourfold those he had cheated. Zacchaeus’ heart was changed, so his actions changed as well.The Holy Spirit told him he needed to repair any pain his broken life had caused.

Lost integrity can be restored, but we must take the steps necessary to make things right. Only then can we be victorious over the enemy and bring healing to our fractured world.