Integrity

The integrity of the upright guides them, but the unfaithful are destroyed by their duplicity (Proverbs 11:3, NIV).

Integrity- what a powerful word!!! What is it’s definition? What worth does it hold?

I am sure this word could have many meanings depending on who you ask. If you ask me, and I am so glad you did. My definition of integrity is defined by who we are when we respond to life with joy, honesty and love in our innermost of our being even in the toughest of situations. It is doing what is right not for fame and definitely not out of pride… I would argue it is doing the right thing despite fame, pride, etc… There is an old adage that says “actions speak louder than words.” Yes, they do. But what speaks even more- is the thought behind those actions, the intent of them.

1 Chronicles 28:9b For the Lord searches all hearts and understands all the intent of the thoughts. If you seek Him, He will be found by you, but if you forsake Him, He will cast you off forever.

Matthew 5:8 (NIV) Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.

So how do we develop integrity? Being that integrity starts within our heart, which is a muscle that needs refining and practice, we must search the scriptures, We must hide them in our hearts where integrity starts, grows and lives!!! We exercise that muscle over and over by praying and meditating… it is then that our outward actions and attitude will match what we have planted within. When we seek God, we find Him. When we find Him- He enters our hearts. And here starts the refining. The purification process to make us pure and Holy.

We need to look inward and be honest with ourselves of where or what sin, bad habits, lies, secrets, etc. we need to surrender, lay down at the cross and although the refining process to begin. Think about the refining process of really anything, gold, diamonds, pearls. Its heat, pressure, and years of irritation to make these beautiful and pure. All three strong, unbreakable. We are not immune to such processing. But in the end it is worth every second of it. The growth with the Lord, the change in our soul, and the way we interact with the world is just as if not more beautiful than gold, diamond or pearls. It’s here that we can stand in integrity because we stand on the Cornerstone of Christ.

How are you friend with integrity, is that muscle a bit lazy right now or is it being strongly exercised? Are you in the process of being refined. If not what is one area that can be worked on. I encourage you, my dear friend to lay this at the foot of the cross because you or worthy of being refined, you have potential, you have a purpose, you have value and have the chance to be pure, beautiful and strong as you were meant to be. Unbreakable in Christ.

I know that for me… I have made progress; However I am not where I need to be either… I am in the process of refinement, Oh I feel heat and pressure… irritants, yep, they are there too. But I know that I am being refined for something better, something more and that this is exactly the sanctification the Lord has for me to be all I can be for Him. My character, my integrity I pray is a reflection of our King- for I am His daughter an heir to His throne. What better honor is there for me then to present to others His lovingkindness, his forgiveness, His joy and that, my friends is only done in actions of integrity.

Dear Lord, in our every day encounters, in times where we could take the easy way but know it’s not right, every time we have opportunity to not be fully honest or get away with something we know is wrong… check us. Give us strength to lay down these types of burdens and hindrances at the foot of the cross where our sins were forgiven by the blood that was shed by Your only beloved Son, so we can have a relationship with you. Refine us Oh Lord, in your refining fire. No, it’s not comfortable, but through the process give us strength and wisdom and growth in our understanding and relationship with You. It’s only in you that we can be purified and strengthened to build integrity within our hearts. Let us speak not only through words but through actions and live to show others who You are. Let us be a reflection of you in all we do!!! 

Amen