Integrity Continued...
Furthermore, God teaches us through his
word to be single minded and steadfast on the path he has set us on.
In the book of Proverbs, He instructs us to stay focus on the task
ahead of us, to keep our perspective straight before us (Prov. 4:25).
We should avoid double mindedness and wavering. We should not look to
the world or alternative paths to try to get to the end of our
course. Consider well, God warns, the direction you are heading in.
Brethren, you should think about where you are going and ask yourself
the following questions- Am I abiding with Christ? Even in
temptations and persecutions? Am I keeping the commandments of God in
all circumstances? Is my allegiance somewhere else besides the
things of God? Am I vacillating between two paths-my own fears and
doubt, the world systems? Or am I doing what God is calling me to do?
The Bible teaches us that we should
strive for soundness or wholeness( to abide Faithful with God) in all
our ways that they may be established-to be successful (Prov. 4:26).
This type of pure soundness or true integrity will help us to fulfill
all our commitments in all areas of this life God has given us. It
will help us to cope effectively when disappointments come because
our trust in God is in nowise compromised. For the storms of life
will come, according to Christ. However, those whose faith is whole
or sound will be able to withstand them ( Matt. 7:24-25). The best
way to build one's Faith, which directly impacts his or her integrity
is conformity with the holy scriptures. This means to abstain from
all evil and avoid extremes to the right or left ( Prov. 4:27). In
other words, we should keep and do God's laws, which teaches us what
is good and what the evil is to avoid. We should adhere to the
instructs the Bible gives us to create a balance in our lives; not to
go to any extreme, either good or bad. Because both can cause us to
fall ( Eccl. 7:16-17). The correct balance we should strive for is
to keep God's commandment and instruction the way he said we should.
The Bible will always shows us the right path that leads to faith,
holiness, and true integrity in God. It will strengthens us so that
our faith is undivided.
Jesus, himself, gives us the final word
concerning integrity. He states in the book of Revelation that he
knows our works-he knows our thoughts and actions (Rev.3:15). He is
conscious of those among the believers whose works are neither cold
nor hot. These have a faith that sways to the right and left. They
are not completely without God, nor are they completely with God.
Their integrity is incomplete. Christ, like Joshua's final
exhortation before the Israelites (Joshua 24:14-15), urges those
lacking in integrity to choose the path they will walk on- either
with this world or with God(to be cold or hot). And this he does,
because the lukewarm, those that are neither cold or hot, will be
caste away from him as a consequence for lack of integrity
(Rev.3:16). They shall receive nothing from the Lord, neither his
blessings or his Kingdom.
But, Jesus, being a true and merciful
savior, who understands our weakness and inconsistencies along with
our potential, also urges us to be zealous and repent from this state
of double mindedness. He states, “ As many as I love, I rebuke and
chasten (Rev. 3:19).” He gives us an opportunity to change if we
find ourselves fluctuating like this because of his love for us. It
is a demonstration of his mercy and grace when we err from the path.
But, to take advantage of this favor of repentance, we have the
responsibility of self-examination. We must constantly assess whether
we are on the right path or going astray (2 Cor 13:5). This is why
we, who hold to the faith in true integrity and sincerity of heart
Love him, because he first loved us ( John 15:13, John 10:15,17, 1
John 4:9). And we know that when we are going astray, he will calls
us back to the right path because of his love for us( 1 Peter 2:25).
Remember, brethren, his instructions
and corrections are for our benefit ( Heb.12:6-7,11). It teaches us
how we may truly live, being perfect and whole without spot or
blemish before God in true integrity. By his word our stability in
God will never be questioned. Our integrity in the scriptures shall
sustain us on the road to Zion: the City of God.
It is done:
Revelation 21:5-8
May God bless you and keep you, till we
meet again
Shalam,
Zarach
