Resolution Revolution: My Integrity

in·teg·ri·ty

1. adherence to moral and ethical principles; soundness of moral character; honesty.

2. the state of being whole, entire, or undiminished: to preserve the integrity of the empire.

3. a sound, unimpaired, or perfect condition: the integrity of a ship's hull.

When I first read the chapter in Resolution for Women that dealt with integrity and purity, I thought to myself:  isn't it interesting that there was a time in the history of the church and church go-ers where we described ourselves by many words...saved, sanctified, holy-ghost filled, fire baptised.....you've heard them and, if you're like me, you've probably used these words to describe yourself at some point in your life.  But how often did we then, or do we now, describe ourselves with words such as ethical, moral, honest, whole??? 

Why is it that as believers we have often preferred to describe ourselves with charasmatic words while overlooking such basic fundamental words like integrity? Could it be that we often care more about our image than our character?

This chapter led to some very interesting discussion among the ladies. As we chatted over dinner, we talked about those things in our lives that can possibly desensitize us to sin and threaten our integrity. We shared our own personal struggles with integrity that we often prefer to hide from others.  We agreed with Priscilla when she offered the ideas that a life of integrity must be lived with other sisters who can hold us accountable and more importantly, a christian must have, at a minimum, one person with whom you can be completely open and naked, who can search you and spot any evil or fleshly influences in your life.  This is often very difficult for christians, especially women.  We can sometimes barely get along, let alone get naked with each other! How sad for us!  Despite this, you must make every effort to find that sister with whom you can openly pursue a life of integrity.  A sister with whom you can be all of you...good, bad, ugly, sin, flesh, you name it...you need that sister who will let you be the imperfect you as you grow in God but who will hold you to a higher standard than you might otherwise hold yourself. 

As we wrapped up, we gave some thought to the true essence of this chapter. Priscilla quotes John Wesleyan's mother in a letter written to him:

"Take this rule: whatever weakens your reason, impairs the tenderness of your conscience, obscures your sense of God, or takes off your relish of spiritual things; in short, whatever increases the strength and authority of your body over your mind, that thing is sin to you, however innocent it may be in itself."   -- Susanna Wesley (Letter, June 8, 1725)

What a wonderful principle to live by for any christian, not just women. To live a life of integrity, you must move beyond what is simply sin as explicitly written in the bible.  Of course, this is our highest authority, but God also left His Spirit to dwell in us and enable us to live a life of purity, character and integrity on a daily basis.  To do this, we must refuse to give strength to the body (flesh).  Living a life of integrity and character is essential living up to the reputation we carry as His daughter.  So I encourage you to examine your life.  Consider those things that weaken your reason and strengthen your flesh.  Confess those to someone who can hold you accountable to a higher standard, and be resolved to remove any and all evil influences from your life.  Be resolved to live a life of integrity!

Until next time!

His Living Word

The past couple of months have been a very growth filled time for me.  I've been faced with many things: decisions, trials, emotions, faith, doubt, confidence, triumph, failure, strength, disappointment, forgiveness, favor....you name it...it seems as if God has packed a year's worth of “me & Him” in just these few short months of 2012.  And as I've sought to cooperate with what He is doing in this season of my life, one thing has remained a constant source of strength, hope, faith, and encouragement....His Word.  Despite the many times I vacillate, His word remains steady.  Despite the many times I'm confused, His Word provides clarity. Despite the many times I doubt Him, His Word reminds me of His promise even the more.  No matter how unstable I get in my mind, heart and emotions, His Word provides a level path to take the next necessary step, even if I don’t like it.  And when I say His Word, I mean the Presence of His Spirit in my life empowering me to do the things I’d rather not do and refrain from doing the things that my flesh desires to do.  For me personally, His Spirit is His Word in action in my life.  

Without the proper understanding, we misuse, misquote, mishandle and mistake the Word to be something that we quote rather than something we live.  In my experiences with God, I've had to not only know the word but understand it so that I can do it.  It’s hard to choose to do something you don’t understand when it gets hard.  So gone are the days of unlearned, illogical ideals and perceptions of God in my life.  Gone are the days of trying to live a Word that I don’t understand.  If I’m required to do it, then I need to know how to do it.  The scripture tells us that in all our getting, we should get an understanding.  This understanding is power.  One of the greatest tricks of the enemy is to use a lack of understanding to keep believers in bondage and prevent us from experiencing the true promises of God that are only manifested through a proper application of the Word of God. 

So, my sister, no matter what you are facing today…no matter what decision, what trial, what emotions, what unstable or discouraged place, there is a source of constant stability, clarity, and strength.  All the answers you need are there, right there, in the knowledge and understanding of His Word. We often say there is power in His Name.  The truth is that neither knowing His Name nor speaking it provides any power in your life.  The power of His Name, His Spirit and His Word in your life, requires your continued pursuit to understand and live by it every day through the choices you make.  So make learning and understanding the Word of God the #1 priority in your life.  Hear it, read it, study it, utilize additional bible resources to understand it, discuss it with other Christian friends…whatever it takes…get an understanding of how to put the bible into action in your life and then do it. Every day. Every decision. You will see your life become the living epistle the bible speaks of…you will become His living word.