This year I’ve had many interesting experiences. Some of which have shocked me to the core – mostly, because I’m someone who always wants to believe the best in people.
But, life isn’t set up that way (trying hard not to be cynical here), and people have trouble seeing life in terms of black and white because we are living in a grey world; where most of the time, our generation (my generation) doesn’t know where the line between right and wrong is. Many don’t believe there is a line, or, if there is, they don’t care.
All of this can make it especially hard to function, especially when there are disagreements in your work environment, school environment, or wherever else you might find yourself.
When our country (countries) followed a Judeo-Christian ethic few people questioned that saving sex for marriage was a good thing, that hard work was the duty of every responsible person, and that it was never right to lie, cheat, steal or commit adultery; but today, our ethics and morals are no longer based on Jerusalem; they’re based on… Sodom and Gomorrah.
Integrity is the quality of being honest and having strong moral principles: e.g. a gentleman of complete integrity. It means to be consistent, and to lack corruption. Each believer needs to be very determined to grow in integrity because that is the character of Christ and the fruits of the Spirit.
On the road to integrity a journey of a thousand miles begins with a first step.
STEP 1: MAKE A DECISION
- In the book of Daniel chapter 1 verse 8 we read that Daniel made a decision not to compromise and defile himself. He chose to stand tall for what he knew to be right.
STEP 2: CHOOSE TO PUT FIRST THINGS FIRST
- It’s not easy to be pure in an impure world. It’s what’s inside a man that defiles him. The truths of the Bible must be planted in our hearts daily.
STEP 3: DETERMINE WHERE YOUR LINE IS, AND THEN STAY A SAFE DISTANCE BEHIND IT
- Satan’s first step in the battle for our minds is to distract us. (James 1:14-15) We need to ask ourselves – In what areas of life do I consistently struggle? Are there any particular sins to which you are consistently vulnerable? Do any activities consume too much of your time? Over the past years, what has been Satan’s most effective ‘bait’ to attract you?
Moral failure is seldom the result of a blowout, it’s the result of a slow leak.
Think About It: how you are doing on any one of the above points?
STEP 4: GUARD YOUR HEART
- Jesus made it clear that we can’t serve two masters. Only the passionate love of purity can save a person from impurity.
STEP 5: GUARD YOUR MIND!
- I really cannot over emphasize this! The mind is the place where decisions are made for or against the truth. What we choose to read, watch, think about will determine whether we become victims or victors, conquered or conquerors.
STEP 6: GUARD YOUR EYES
- Job 31:1 I made a covenant with my eyes. David lingered too long, stared a bit too much, and unwisely entertained unhealthy fantasy. He didn’t guard his eyes and ended up committing adultery with Bathsheba and murdering her husband.
STEP 7: GUARD THE LITTLE THINGS
- Jesus said that “whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much.” (Luke 16:10) Many of my own failures started by movings in a direction my head rationalised by saying, “It isn’t sin,” but my heart said, “I’ve seen worse,” or “The Bible doesn’t have anything to say about that.”
We need to try to remember: “Blessed – happy, enviably fortunate, and spiritually prosperous – are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.” (Matthew 5:8 AMP)
Think About It: Which of the above do you find most challenging – guarding your heart, your mind, your eyes or the little things?
Do you need prayer for grace and strength for the above mentioned? Honestly, I often do as well. If you would like to join with someone or to know a little bit more about what I’ve mentioned, why don’t you click on the banner below?