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.
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!
No comments:
Post a Comment