INTEGRITY

Daily Word - 07.06.19 - Pastor Sheliah

“We can say with confidence and a clear conscience that we have lived with a God-given holiness and sincerity in all our dealings. We have depended on God’s grace, not on our own human wisdom. That is how we have conducted ourselves before the world, and especially toward you.” [2 Corinthians.1:12 NLT]

Recently I was completing a questionnaire on one of the young people in our fellowship, for a ministry position for which they are applying. Wow! Some tough questions were asked, and were very exposing! But, with great joy, I was able to answer every question without hesitation, and honestly give a high recommendation in every area of life!

Several times we read about Integrity in the Bible. David wrote, “I will walk within my house in the integrity of my heart.” [Psalm.101:2 NASB]

Many years ago that verse really spoke to me! It’s one thing to “behave” or maybe better said “act” a certain way when others are watching you. But when it’s just you alone, are you completely honest and walking in integrity? Of course you’re never totally alone, God sees and knows everything about you.

“He who walks in integrity walks securely, But he who perverts his ways will be found out.” [Proverbs.10:9] There is security - a safe place - in Christ! “For you died to this life, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God.” [Colossians.3:3] In Him, you have the strength to live above the sinful nature because He has already defeated that on the Cross, and by His Power you overcome.

So, our love and relationship is not to judge or condemn others. But as Paul expressed in Colossians, “We do not cease to pray for you and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so that you will walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God...” [Colossians.1:9-12] In other words, our heart is that you walk in “all respects” in His integrity.

John, the Beloved, wrote about those with whom he spent his life ➖teaching and encouraging, “I have no greater joy than this, to hear of my children walking in the truth.” John must have felt much like I did about this young person ➖ “What a joy to pastor people of the highest integrity! ~ Shelia Hart Artt

#Integrity. #WalkInHisIntegrity. #GloryBarnBranson