“Therefore, since through God’s mercy we have this ministry, we do not lose heart. Rather, we have renounced secret and shameful ways; we do not use deception, nor do we distort the word of God. On the contrary, by setting forth the truth plainly we commend ourselves to everyone’s conscience in the sight of God. And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.” 2 Corinthians 4:1-4
I watched an Andy Stanley session about ‘Integrity’ on YouTube yesterday. It was interesting, insightful and impacted my thoughts about ‘Integrity’. I jotted down a few notes like a good Lutheran always does when doing a sermon outline. Thought that I would share them with you this Tuesday so that you might consider them this week.
Integrity demands that every area of your life be treated with the same intensity; throughout every waking moment. You have the same commitment to excellence in your marriage as you do in your career. You have the same commitment to excellence in ministry as you do in your parenting.
There were a few points that should help a child of God to become a person of integrity. First, keep your promises. Please, don’t model your life by more and more of the politicians of our time. My friends, God’s people of integrity keep their word. If they say they’ll do it, they do it; they will pray about it. If they say they’ll be there, they show up.
Next, don’t gossip. Turn off the View or any other media programs that cause us to think gossiping in our time is how we are to conduct our lives. Our Heavenly Father is looking for men and women of integrity who know how to keep a secret and not pass it around on social media. I am an Elder in my church and there are things that I keep in confidence. Don’t talk about people behind their back and don’t even listen to that stuff.
Next, be faithful in tithing. You can’t serve two masters. Wherever you put your money first is what’s most important to you. Ten-ten-eighty rule. Tithe ten percent, save ten percent and live on eighty percent. And when the kids leave the shed and you rule the roost, your ten percent tithe will prayerfully grow to fifteen or twenty percent, serving the Lord in other areas of this fallen world.
And lastly, be who is the real you with others. A person of integrity doesn’t act one way in church and another way after they leave the parking lot and head home or to the golf course. God created you for His purpose. God wants you to be His 24/7 in this world. Have a great week.
Dear Heavenly Father, you have called your servants to ventures of which we cannot see the ending, by paths as yet untrodden, through perils unknown. Give us faith to go out with good courage, not knowing where we go but only that your hand is leading us and your love supporting us through Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. Amen.
May God be with you,
Jay