Integrity

Integrity is a big word missing these days...

One definition of integrity is “The quality or state of being of sound moral principle, uprightness, honesty and sincerity”. Integrity is keeping a commitment even after circumstances have changed. And it is practising honesty and uprightness in our everyday lives.

If we all practised integrity each and every day in our relationships and workplaces, what could the world look like? There would be fewer violence, fraud, crime and hate. And there would be less immorality, deception and evil in this world.

Integrity is to live out your life in private in the same way you live your life in public. And it always comes back to our character. And character is the sum total of all your habits, either good or bad.

Proverbs 10:9 Whoever walks with integrity walks securely, but whoever takes crooked paths will be found out.

Now integrity can be subjective based on ethics, culture and opinion. But the word of God paints a clear picture of what integrity looks like and how it is practised.

Integrity is a combination of character qualities based on the word of God. It is honesty, faithfulness, trustworthy, reliable, obedience, kindness, selfless love, self controlled, responsible and generous.

Christians are called to a high standard before God and man. To walk the walk and talk the talk. It is about being a credible witness and that your faith is not only a belief but an everyday action. Practically, it is speaking the truth, acting honourably, giving honour to others, and to love one another sincerely.

The opposite of integrity is lying, stealing, cheating or choosing evil over good. It is being unethical, deceptive and immoral, either in private or public. A word that sums up all of these is hypocrisy which is to know something and to speak against something but doing it anyway.

Just because we fall once doesn’t make us a hypocrite. That’s what God’s grace and mercy are for. But when it becomes a lifestyle, that is completely different.

Daniel 6:3-4 says, Now Daniel so distinguished himself among the administrators and the satraps by his exceptional qualities (excellent spirit) that the king planned to set him over the whole kingdom. At this, the administrators and the satraps tried to find grounds for charges against Daniel in his conduct of government affairs, but they were unable to do so. They could find no corruption in him, because he was trustworthy and neither corrupt nor negligent.

Daniel was an elderly man at this stage of his life and scripture mentions he had an excellent spirit. This means he was set apart for God, faithful, a man of prayer and above reproach. He not only prospered but gave glory to God in a pagan land which had no choice but to see that Daniel’s God was the true and living God.

Bill Johnson once said “When you steward something faithfully increase will naturally follow”. Actively choose to practice integrity today; you might be surprised what happens. 

Seek First the Kingdom of God

The Cologne Cathedral is an amazing piece of architecture today.

And what makes it so incredible is that it took 632 years to build! Frederick II, one of the most powerful Roman Emperors of the Middle Ages, wanted it to be the main place of worship in the country and possibly Europe. Halted during the sixteenth century, the construction was completed in 1880 according to the original plan.

Towering above the city skyline to this day, the building owes its overwhelming grandeur to its meticulous design and execution over the centuries. Even with modern engineering and materials, it would be impossible to duplicate the Cologne Cathedral. Today it is Germany’s most visited landmark and attracts an average 20,000 people per day!

Mathew 6:33 - Seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness.....

Imagine being part of something incredible, knowing that you would never see its completion? To labour for a lifetime that your father laboured for his lifetime, and his father before. And your children would labour for their lifetime, not knowing if it would ever be completed.

The completion and restoration of this beautiful place of worship depended on the patient skill of countless and nameless individuals who knew that they would never see its finish. 

That takes a lot of faith, and it’s the same with us when we are building the Kingdom of God. We who labour faithfully in our local church for years on end may never see its end, except in heaven when we are rewarded by God for our obedience and sacrifice. 

Create in Me a Clean Heart

We live in a highly sexualised society today with destructive implications for the Christian faith.

According to a recent Barna research study, the ease of access to the internet and mobile phones “have fundamentally changed the landscape of pornography, and ushered it into the cultural mainstream where it enjoys increasingly widespread acceptance.”

Viewing porn has become socially acceptable in our culture today, particularly among teens and young adults. Consider the following:

·         54% of adults 25+ say viewing porn is wrong, and among teens and young adults 13-24, only 32% say viewing porn is wrong

·         57% young adults seek out porn either daily, weekly or monthly

·         About two in five Christians say they are comfortable looking at porn, compared to nearly seven in 10 among all teens and adults. They are also about twice as likely to say they’d like to stop (40%) than to say they’d like to use less (21%)

The lie of our culture whispers that everyone else has it better, the grass is always greener, or we missed out somehow. As access to pornography has increased, the stigma toward it also decreasing at an alarming rate. The Ashley Madison website spectacle, where users names where leaked to the world, is only the beginning.

At any given church service, do not be surprised that at least over half the male population are hiding a double life of viewing pornography. It is a deceptive, twisted and evil trap of the devil, and an open door for him to work destruction in our lives. Pornography is the devil’s last end time’s weapon he uses to keep Christians in sin and separated from God.

Proverbs 12:28 

In the way of righteousness there is life; along that path is immorality.

Regardless of the ease of access to sexual immorality, God’s standards have not changed. He still expects His people to live pure lives, be holy and to reject the temptation of sin.

Our heart condition is very important to God. Scripture says, “Without holiness no one will see the Lord” (Hebrews 12:14). Holiness is to be separated for God and a holy and ready vessel He can use. It is not in our ability to attain but a mighty work God does within us through His imputed grace and spirit.

The cry of David’s prayer in Psalm 51 was “Create in me a clean heart O’ God, renew a right spirit in me.” No matter how ingrained in sin we become, the power of God can restore, renew and cleanse us if we repent and are willing to change. God’s grace is not a licence to sin but an opportunity to get it right.

The battle for our hearts between purity and immorality will not stop in this world. The war between the flesh and spirit is a personal choice we must take responsibility for. Every time we fail simply go back to the throne of grace in prayer, seek God’s forgiveness and mercy, get up and try again. 1 John 1:9 promises us, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

Do not forget that we don’t pray from a place of defeat but should pray from a place of victory! The Holy Spirit in us and God’s imputed grace gives us the power to overcome temptation, sin and all sexual immorality.

Pray from a place of victory today, and desire to become all God created you to be from a place of a pure heart.

Source:

https://www.barna.org/research/culture-media/research-release/porn-in-the-digital-age-new-research-reveals-10-trends?utm_source=Barna+Update+List&utm_campaign=20c22a58ed-Barna_Update_Porn_in_the_Digital_Age_New4_3_2016&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_8560a0e52e-20c22a58ed-172141737&mc_cid=20c22a58ed&mc_eid=6c0186fccb#.VyDOUamwXwj

  

Foolishness of the Gospel

Easter is great time to truly reflect on the Christian faith and its implications for us today.

Why God would send His Son to be crucified by His own creation for our place of condemnation on the cross to bring about our salvation is a profound mystery in many ways. 

It baffles human wisdom and logic on every level. No matter how the salvation story is interpreted, Paul was correct when he called it the “foolishness of the gospel”, bringing either offense or ridicule from the world (1 Corinthians 1:18-25).

But in the divine wisdom of God, this was His chosen method of salvation to mankind. That only the humble and “foolish” would accept this great salvation into their hearts and admit their need for a Saviour. 

At one point in time the disciples asked Jesus how is it possible that a man can be saved? To which Jesus responded what is impossible for man is possible for God. Clearly our sin and separation from God was so immense and dreadful, which if given serious thought could radically change our personal lives if we let it.

John 12:23-26

Jesus replied, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. Very truly I tell you, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds. Anyone who loves their life will lose it, while anyone who hates their life in this world will keep it for eternal life. Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honour the one who serves me”.

The theme of the cross will always be present in our personal lives as Christians. Seasons of struggle, suffering and (figuratively speaking) death will be a constant reality whether we like it or not. But this is a beautiful thing and not to be disregarded. There are areas in our lives like selfishness and sin which need death daily, and character flaws of pride, lust, greed and unforgiveness that can take over our lives if not truly repented of.

Death has a way of removing things in our lives that need to go which we can not do in our own strength. Like dying to self in our attitudes and habits. Death to self when forgiving others graciously when wronged. Death to self of sacrificial love. And death to the idols of our hearts and sinful nature which forever wars against our spirit. Diseases to our soul like apathy, laziness and pride which can be replaced with righteous zeal, fruitfulness and humility when a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and…. if it dies produces many seeds.

But after death is glorious resurrection. When we have hit rock bottom, the mighty power of God resurrects us. Our dreams are given new life. We are thankful instead of ungrateful. We value life instead of take it for granted. And we become better and stronger people that God can use, mature and holy vessels ready for every good work.

There can be no resurrection without death and what has died produces new life in our lives and relationships. And some areas need death if we are to move forward into the plans of God for our lives. Jesus gave us His example and as His disciples we are to follow in them.

May the theme of the cross be ever present in your life, so that the glorious resurrection within you may come and new life can begin!

Work in Progress

There are some areas of our lives which are a finished product, and then there are others which are obviously a work in progress....

A construction building is usually covered in scaffolding and building equipment, which has great potential to become something amazing. Its end purpose is to be a finished product and to look exactly like what the architect designed it to be.

Philippians 1:6

Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus

As Christians, becoming like Jesus is a long, slow and painful process of growth. Spiritual maturity and our personal development are to be our greatest goals, which will take the rest of our lives.

I have found that God is more interested in our character than our work, finances or relationships, because at the end of the day, we will take only our character into eternity. Everything else we need follows on the footsteps of character formed into Christlikeness, faith and maturity.

God’s timing is usually based on whether we are ready in our heart and attitudes before He releases us into important seasons of responsibility. How long we wait usually isn’t because God is asleep or behind schedule – but because He is waiting on us to grow up.

What areas in your life is a finished product and what is still a work in progress? How is your faith, patience, generosity and capacity? Or how about love for others, work ethic, finances and social skills? If you need a good list to see where you are at, check out Paul’s words in Romans 12:9-13:

·         Love must be sincere.

·         Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.

·         Be devoted to one another in love.

·         Honour one another above yourselves.

·         Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.

·         Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.

·         Share with the Lord’s people who are in need.

·         Practice hospitality.

It is a beautiful day when a believer grows up into all that God created them to be. When they stand strong, confident and living in the fullness of their freedom in Christ. What today might be a weakness, we are promised God can turn into our strength by his empowering and renewing grace (2 Cor 12:9).

Philippians 2:13 

For it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill His good purposes.

The Comparison Trap

How many times have you done it today?

When you compared yourself to your family or friends on Facebook just now? That new sports car. That friend’s high paying job in the city which gives free business class travel around the world. That perfect family you have known for years. Or that perfect body you would need to quit your job to go to the gym everyday to ever get close to having one day!

The rat race of comparisons never ends in life, from childhood till the day we die. If we are not careful, we can end up feeling miserable for things we do not have, which some people in the world would jump off a cliff to have what you have. The danger with comparisons is that when you compare you always lose.

Does a dog ever compare itself to a cat, a fish to a frog or a horse to a donkey? Of course not. But we do subconsciously everyday. Instagram, Twitter and Facebook all are communication channels to share our lives with others, along with all our achievements, favourite photos and successes.

The global influence of Facebook has caused what has been termed as “comparison depression”. Seeing that couples perfect relationship, your friends latest four week holiday, and others brand new gadgets can easily bring up insecurities, envy, anger and other negative emotional responses. Human nature is to want more of what other people have. Or in other words “greed”. A bottomless pit that can never be satisfied.

When we compare ourselves it reveals a lot about who we are and what we stand for. Our identity is closely connected with our relationships which can give us an indication of where we fit into society. This can be a good thing, but we can easily use it in a negative light depending on our perspective and self discipline.

I once heard it said that “comparison is self inflicted torture where we never measure up.” It is like worry or fear; something that causes incredible emotional stress which doesn’t actually achieve anything.

We often compare someone’s best achievements and successes with our mediocrity or failures which makes completely no sense. It is lies we believe that left unchecked can ruin our relationships and unlimited consequences.  

Comparing ourselves can go two ways, either we are better and superior to others or we are a failure and a good for nothing. Neither is healthy or beneficial.

2 Corinthians 10:2

Not that we dare to classify or compare ourselves with some of those who are commending themselves. But when they measure themselves by one another and compare themselves with one another, they are without understanding.

At least we are in good company. Many people in the bible struggled with this same dilemma which we can read and learn from for our benefit.

·         Cain compared himself to Abel and murdered him

·         Korah compared himself to Moses and tried to lead a rebellion but perished along with his whole family

·         Saul compared himself to David and was tormented by an evil spirit and turned into a madman

·         The Babylonian officials compared themselves to Daniel and ended up being eaten alive in the lions den

We need to realise that comparing ourselves is to believe lies from this world and the enemy who will always use it against us. That we are not good enough, useless, with no value or worth.

Instead of loving people and being happy with their success, comparison destroys relationships and treats others with disrespect. It is completely self centered at the core, believing we should have what others have and happier and more blessed by God.

Even as Christians we can compare ourselves with other believers and walk in jealousy and bitterness, not realising the sacrifices and hard work someone has put in that we never saw.

To kill the temptation to compare requires that we change our perspective, remember our successes and being content with what we currently have today. And most importantly, to be thankful for what God has already given us, and will bless us with later if we can appreciate the good things we have today.

Decide today to be happy in your own skin with how God made you and thankful for everything good you have in your life. And next time you check Facebook, check yourself and how you are already blessed with all that you currently have! 

Hearing from God

Everyday we are faced with never ending series of choices and decisions. Many are small but some are life changing and irreversible, affecting all those around us.

Where should I live? What career should I take? Who should I marry? What investments should I put my life savings into? Which church should I be planted in? Should I wait in this season where God has me or go and follow my dreams and take on the world myself?

All of these are good questions which have different answers for all of us. The bible is silent on many things and life is a very personal journey that only we can take. Making sure we choose correctly the paths we take and being in the center of God’s will is everything as Christians.

Have you ever day dreamed about going back in time and speaking to yourself about a key moment and what you would have said? Well we serve a God who lives outside of time and sees everything in front of us and our future. Wouldn’t it then be wise and beneficial to hear from Him and to know what good plans He has for us? When God says “No” to our prayers, even they are good because they are not His complete BEST for us who sees everything that we can not see.

John 10:27

My sheep hear my voice and I know them and they follow me.

Jeremiah 33:3

Call to me and I will answer you and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known.

Throughout our lifetime we will face hundreds of seasons of change, transition, highs and lows. But we don’t have to live this life blind and in fear of what to do with our lives. We have the Holy Spirit who is our guide, our helper and companion. God wants to speak to all of us everyday be in relationship which is what Jesus came to accomplish on the Cross.

When you pick up the phone and you hear a person’s voice, you know who it is because you recognise the voice and have had relationship and experience with them. You know what they love and what they hate and can relate to them. Even though you can not see them physically on the phone, you know that they are there and you can have conversation with them.

This is just the same with God! Just because you can’t see Him doesn’t mean you can not have relationship and conversation with Him. When we remain in Christ and His words remain in us, we are promised that we can ask whatever we desire and it will be done (John 15:7).

At times hearing from God is a very clear prompting that is unmistakable. Other times it is a still small voice like a whisper that needs us to be quiet and attentive to hear it. We need to be alert and ready to hear from Him at all times and most importantly ready to obey.

How many times have you made terrible choices in life that God was speaking to you but you didn’t listen? Often when we fail to listen or believe we know best and trust in our own understanding can be the start of our own ruin. The truth is we don’t know everything and without the grace and mercy of God in our lives, we have nothing.

John 16:33

When the Spirit of truth comes He will guide you into all the truth, for He will not speak on His own authority but whatever He hears He will speak, and will declare to you the things that are to come.

Romans 8:14

For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.

There are some voices we can hear that may not be God’s which are important to differentiate. The voice of our own sinful nature desires, the voice of ungodly people and the voice of the devil. Scripture, godly wisdom, accountability with good counsel and the peace of God are good filters to know if we are listening to the right voices or not. A combination of two or more of these is even better.

Every Christian will have hundreds of seasons in their lifetime of mountains and valleys. Coming boldly to God is not just a one off event... but a lifetime requirement! As the world is changing more and more, we need to be in tune with Gods voice more than ever. If not for you then for those around that you love.

Hearing from God is essential to our journey and knowing what decisions to make and what to avoid. Imagine making a key decision at work based on a word from God which in the natural made no sense but later became profitable and critical. Or meeting someone that was essential to your destiny and purpose in life because God told you to approach them and start a conversation?

I once heard a testimony where a pastor had a number of expensive shares in the stock market. He went to his accountant and said he wanted to sell them that day. The man said he was crazy and being an expert in the market he knew that they were on the rise. But following the voice of God the pastor said “No, I want them sold today”, and stormed out. That week the shares he owned dropped to almost nothing without warning in a mini recession, and he saved himself thousands of dollars.

God speaks to us through a very clear prompting in our conscience and heart. It is an impression or word of knowledge that only you know did not come from you but Someone greater.

No matter what problem you have God has an answer. Everything God does and doesn’t do for you is for your good! We need to be led by the Holy Spirit as children of God. To know His voice and obedient to His ways is what separates us from the rest of the world.

Hearing from God can happen at any time, any day and any circumstance. Being available for God means we are ready vessels that He can use for great purposes with eternal outcomes!

Hebrews 4:16 

Let us then fearlessly and confidently and boldly draw near to the throne of grace (the throne of God’s unmerited favour), that we may receive mercy [for our failures] and find grace to help in good time for every need [appropriate help and well-timed help, coming just when we need it].