Simply Integrity

Because we work for God, we are all called to integrity. I’m not sure the word means the same as it used to. Or maybe the code that the public adheres to has changed?

Integrity – adherence to a code

The code that I consider here is the one that says I will be proud to stand before the Lord and review together the things I have done and said. The code that says that my actions are incorruptible, and my thoughts are sound, I have not been divided in purpose or reasoning. Jesus describes the code of integrity in simple words: All you need to say is simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’; anything beyond this comes from the evil one (Matt 5:37). Our words are a huge part of the walk of simplicity, the walk to please God and not man. And He continues in Matthew 18, verses 8-9, that our hand or eye should be removed if it causes us to stumble.

Deception

From the thought of the eye or hand causing us to stumble, it seems like the one who leads us astray is more likely ourselves. Our eye and our hand cause us to stumble. We have to discipline ourselves in this walk toward simplicity. The simplicity of God First is one that we stray from without external stimulus, but we cannot run from others and the external influences. We have to choose to be the influencers ourselves. We have to choose integrity of God’s mission in us and carry it out.

We can paraphrase Colossians 3:22-24 and find something along these lines to be our objective: ‘Workers, obey your supervisors in everything; and do it, not only when their eye is on you and to curry their favor, but with sincerity of heart and reverence for the Lord. Whatever you do, if for family, others or for yourselves as a business, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for humans, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.’

I think this month has hinted several times at the underlying mission and ‘activity’ that we do for God. It has hinted at the mission each of us has for Him. Discovering and confirming our purpose in Him is what we look at next month as part of Finding peace in who we are, in our self-worth. Is there anything you want to ask about this? Or should I say these topics?