World Bank President Jim Kim recently said, “In the developing world, corruption is public enemy number one.” Of course corruption exists in every part of the world. In urging people to attend a summer conference to combat global corruption, invitees were told to consider this: “The negative impact of corruption on government accountability, business integrity, and effective development outcomes has led to a rising global demand for practitioners with the skills to prevent, detect, investigate, and prosecute corruption.” Yet corruption did not just begin, even though modern technology has increased ways to do it. Micah, the ancient prophet in Israel, lambasted corruption 2800 years ago. In chapter 7 we read, “How miserable I am! I feel like the fruit picker after the harvest who can find nothing to eat. Not a cluster of grapes or a single early fig can be found to satisfy my hunger. The godly people have all disappeared; not one honest person is left on earth. They are all murderers, setting traps even for their own brothers. Both their hands are equally skilled at doing evil! Officials and judges alike demand bribes. The people with influence get what they want, and together they scheme to twist justice. Even the best of them is like a brier; the most honest is as dangerous as a hedge of thorns. But your judgment day is coming swiftly now.” Today, God wants His people to counter corruption by living with integrity and promoting justice wherever we are.
Dr. Melvin E. Banks, Sr. is the founder and chairman of UMI (Urban Ministries, Inc.). Under his direction, UMI has grown to be a leading publisher of Christian education resources for churches in the African American community. Read More
