By Andy Hale

From time to time, I may stretch a sermon illustration for effect. It’s never intentional. More often than not, it is how I remember it happening. It’s kind of like in the 2003 movie Big Fish, in which a father retells his life story through fantastical anecdotes. (For a refresher on the film or to make up for a missed opportunity, check it out here.)

Except, I have an embellishment radar to which I am wed. My loving wife reminds me that said story may or may not have happened in the same way that I told it.

She also graciously imparts a sympathy laugh when a joke falls flat. I have requested she replace the fake laugh with a boo. The boo will at least help me learn from inadequate humor.

Does my stretch illustration mean I lack in integrity? Well, maybe. That is according to the author of The Law of Small Things, Stuart Brody.

“Integrity is valuable because it reflects authenticity about who we are, not as the culture defines us, or ensnares us, but as we know ourselves to be, or aspire to be,” said Brody.

Stuart Brody is a consultant for business and political leaders, the founder of Integrity Intensive, and a retired lawyer.

Subscribe or Livestream

CBF’s podcast shares stories from across the Fellowship and innovative practices of those working to renew God’s world. The vision is to share ideas, stories, and innovations from ministers, authors, and practitioners.

Join this bi-weekly audio podcast by subscribing in iTunes or in SoundCloud.

Sponsorship

This podcast episode is brought to you by Fuller Seminary and The Center for Congregational Health.

Andy Hale created and hosts the podcast of the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship. Hale is the senior pastor of University Baptist Church of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, following eight years as the founding pastor of Mosaic Church of Clayton and five years as CBF’s church start specialist. Follow on Twitter @haleandy