My Integrity

What is Integrity?

Adherence to moral and ethical principles.

Soundness of moral character; honesty.
Purity; being uncorrupted.
Consistency of character.
Being who you claim to be at all times.

Do you live a life of integrity?

What activities or influences are you allowing into your life that could compromise your integrity?

If you claim to be a Christian...do your actions support that claim?

Is your lifestyle any different from that of the world?

^“Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world. And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever.” – 1 John 2:15-17

People should be able to see a difference in the way we live our lives as Christians.

^“And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” – Romans 12:2

What is good and acceptable and perfect?

Are you seeking God’s guidance in order to discover what that means for your life?

Don’t allow yourself to become desensitized to the conviction of the Holy Spirit.

So many things are viewed as acceptable in the eyes of the world and unfortunately many “Christians” are taking on some of those same views.

We have become really good at justifying our actions and behaviors.

It’s much easier that way.

So...What separates us, as Christians, from the world?

Or should I say...What should separate us?

Our morals and beliefs.

Our goals in life.
The way we treat others.
The way we talk to and about others.
The language we use.
The things we read, watch, or listen to. (TV, Movies, Books, Magazines, Internet, Music, etc.)
The activities we engage in.
The way we raise our children.

That being said...I know there are a lot of people in the world who live a lifestyle that is “pure” and honorable.

The only thing separating them from us is the fact that they have not accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.

They live a life of integrity but there is still something missing. The MOST important thing.

When we claim to be a Christian...integrity takes on a deeper meaning.

As Christians...we are claiming to be followers of Christ.

To live a life that does not encompass all that He desires from us and for us would be hypocritical.

What does He desire from us and for us?

He desires for us to bring glory and honor to him in all that we do and all that we are.

This is what integrity means for us as Christians.

Don’t let your witness be compromised.

People who are far from God are looking for reasons not to join in our faith and surrender to God.

Don’t let faulty integrity stand in the way of what God wants to do through you to bring them into a relationship with Him.

There is power in integrity.

So be on your guard against the wiles of the devil...

^“Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.”- Ephesians 6:10-11

Be the example that you need to be so that, through the witness of your life, God will be able to bring others into a relationship with Him.

 

Resolution #8 – My Integrity

I will not tolerate evil influences even in the most justifiable form,

in myself or my home, but will embrace and encourage a life of purity.
 

Are You Frustrated?

Who hasn’t ever been frustrated?

Frustration is one of the leading causes of loss of intimacy and closeness in a relationship.

Some of us are a little more easily frustrated than others but we all experience it at some level.

Where you have human beings interacting with one another...you will have frustration at times.

We are all created uniquely different and due to those differences we will not...

Agree about everything

Handle situations in the same way
Deal with stress in the same way
Feel the same emotions
Understand one another completely

Our human nature is to be self-centered.

We always want to be right and we always want people to meet our expectations or desires.

Having these expectations just sets us up for disappointment.

Once frustration creeps in...we begin to withdraw emotionally from our friend, family member, or spouse.

How do we deal with this frustration?

The first step is prayer.

Sometimes that’s enough but when it’s not...

You have to make sure that you communicate your frustration in the best possible way and at the best time.

You may not get the response you desire.

Your expression of frustration may be received as an attack or criticism.

This is a normal response.

Who likes to have their short-comings or faults pointed out to them?

Don’t let this prevent you from communicating your feelings.

Keeping your feelings bottled up only serves to increase your frustration and create even more division in your relationship.

Once someone has had time to really think about what you have expressed to them...they may realize that there IS a problem that needs to be dealt with.

Hopefully they will respect you for bringing it to their attention.

You both have to be willing to work together to alleviate the frustration and take the steps necessary to restore your relationship.

You also need to be willing to accept the fact that your frustration may be unwarranted.

Maybe your views are not the only way to look at things.

Maybe you just need to chill.

Is it really worth getting upset about?

What is most important in your relationship?

Being married for almost 10 years...my husband and I have learned that sometimes you just have to “deal with it”.

Maybe those dirty clothes on the floor aren’t worth the frustration that rises up within you.

We cannot allow frustration to drive a wedge between us.

Communication and prayer is the best way to combat the effects of frustration.

“Nip it in the bud!!”

Don’t let it fester until it becomes something much bigger than it originally was.

Frustration is an ugly monster that can become angrier if it's not dealt with.

Don't let this angry monster control your life and your relationships.

Don't let frustration turn into bitterness and unforgiveness.

This also applies to the frustration you may be causing someone else.

Be the person God has called you to be and take the necessary steps to alleviate their frustration.

“Do to others as you would have them do to you.” – Luke 6:31

Be sensitive to the needs of others.

What about when we are frustrated with God?

Are things not working out like you had expected or hoped?

Is God taking too long to fulfill His promises?

Does it seem like one bad thing after the other keeps happening?

Do you trust God but you wish he would handle things a little differently?

These are things that can cause us to distance ourselves from God.

We might have the attitude...what’s the point in even trying? It doesn’t do any good.

We have probably all felt these feelings at one time or another...and maybe even right now.

My advice to you is...DON’T GIVE UP and don’t pull away from God.

That’s exactly what the devil wants you to do at these times.

Reach out for support from friends, family, your spouse, and God.

You don’t have to go through this life alone!!
 

Making sure that we create and maintain intimacy and closeness in our relationships will make our journey more fulfilling and a lot less stressful.

Life can even be enjoyable...go figure!!  :)