The integrity of the upright guides them, but the unfaithful are destroyed by their duplicity. Proverbs 11:3
Choosing to live as Christ is a decision we must make with every decision, every word and every action. We must Live as Christ on Purpose!. Last time we talked about the tongue. Today we talk about integrity. What does integrity mean? “The quality of being honest and having strong moral principles; moral uprightness.” In short, to be Christ like. In todays fallen world we are told it's ok to step on another to get ahead, to cheat, lie and steal to get a head. God says we must be upright, trustworthy, faithful, true and acceptable. One might say “I don't care what others think” but as one of Gods children, we must. We should never be a stumbling block to the weak in spirit. Be careful, however, that the exercise of your rights does not become a stumbling block to the weak. 1 Corinthians 8:9 God has much to say about our integrity, Let your eyes look straight ahead; fix your gaze directly before you. Give careful thought to the paths for your feet and be steadfast in all your ways. Do not turn to the right or the left; keep your foot from evil. Proverbs 4: 25-27 For we are taking pains to do what is right, not only in the eyes of the Lord but also in the eyes of man. 2 Corinthians 8:21 The LORD detests lying lips, but he delights in people who are trustworthy. Proverbs 12:22 What does your actions say about your integrity? Are you trusted among your peers? Are you a man or women of your word. Are your work ethics God approved? To do what is right and just is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice. Proverbs 21:3 What does God see in you? What does your peers, co workers, friends, family see in you? Are you a women/man of your word? Are you trustworthy? Do you radiate Gods reflection? Do you live as Christ, on purpose? Living for Christ, On purpose
Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear. Ephesians 4:29 The world offers many distractions and temptations. We have to choose each moment to live for Christ on purpose. Today we address the tongue. Between classmates, coworkers, family members, the trash talking gal behind you in line at the grocery store, the bully at school or the gossiper sitting behind you at the restaurant, it's hard not to be pulled into this harmful life style. Used to, it seems, that profanity was saved for the uneducated, the street kids and thugs and those who are immature and want to sound tough among their peers. Now we hear profanity come from the mouths of Doctors, lawyers, College professors and yes even some Pastors. When did it become acceptable to talk like a common thug? If that alone is not enough to give us pause, we deal with bullies, slanderers, gossips and so forth. While we can not control what the world acts or speaks like, we can control how WE act and speak. Scripture is VERY clear on how we are to act as children of God. You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain, for the Lord will not leave him unpunished who takes His name in vain. Exodus 20:7 and there must be no filthiness and silly talk, or course jesting which are not fitting, but rather give thanks. Ephesians 5:4 Do not be deceived: "Bad company corrupts good morals." 1 Corinthians 15:33 If anyone thinks himself religious, and yet does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this man's religion is worthless. James 1:26 The good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth what is good; and the evil man out of the evil treasure brings forth what is evil; for his mouth speaks from that which fills his heart. Luke 6:45 "THEIR THROAT IS AN OPEN GRAVE, WITH THEIR TONGUES THEY KEEP DECEIVING," "THE POISON OF ASPS IS UNDER THEIR LIPS"; "WHOSE MOUTH IS FULL OF CURSING AND BITTERNESS"; "THEIR FEET ARE SWIFT TO SHED BLOOD, DESTRUCTION AND MISERY ARE IN THEIR PATHS, AND THE PATH OF PEACE THEY HAVE NOT KNOWN." "THERE IS NO FEAR OF GOD BEFORE THEIR EYES." Romans 3 13-18 I can list many, many more verses to address the tongue. God is serious with matters of the tongue. A quick search led me to over 30 verses! If God takes matters of the tongue seriously, then so should we!. What do you struggle with? Profanity? Slander Gossip? Lies? What ever it is you can choose different..Choose to Speak as Christ would. Choose Christ on Purpose. |
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