Jeremiah 4:3, NET Bible~ ” Yes, the LORD has this to say to the people of Judah and Jerusalem: “Like a farmer breaking up hard unplowed ground, you must break your rebellious will and make a new beginning; just as a farmer must clear away thorns lest the seed is wasted, you must get rid of the sin that is ruining your lives. “
“Integrity” means that one can be trusted to do the right thing, especially when he/she is not in the presence or supervision of others who may hold him accountable. Let’s take it a step further because we have to be honest and admit that there’s not much–if anything at all–that we as sinners do not need God’s help with. I like to include God in anything that is meant to define traits and characteristics of a person’s heart. So here’s my revised definition of integrity: “
A person with integrity not only does and says what is right and edifying to others, but (s)he also acknowledges triggers or temptations that entice him/her to do what is wrong–to sin. The man/woman who has integrity confesses those things to God and entreat Him for the strength to resist sin, and in turn, the person with integrity allows God to cleanse and renew their heart with the desire to walk/conduct themselves righteously. The person who has integrity does what is right not because others can see or benefit as a result of them doing what is right, but because the eyes of God see where no human eye can see–straight inside of the heart to determine their intentions.”
Isaiah 17:9-10~ ” ” The heart is more deceitful than all else And is desperately sick; Who can understand it? 10 “I, the LORD, search the heart, I test the mind, Even to give to each man according to his ways, According to the results of his deeds.” “
Ephesians 6:6~ “Not by the way of eye-service, as people-pleasers, but as servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart”
The person who acts, speaks, thinks, and perceives with integrity relies on God; and,therefore, their integrity is a shield that keeps the lies of the enemy from penetrating its core. God knows the depths of our hearts and He can take what the enemy would use to fill your heart with thorns (sin and evil motives) and turn his dastardly schemes inside out!
He can take what the enemy means for our harm and use it for our good (Romans 8:28). Out of a sinning heart that is transformed by His Holy Spirit, He can turn it for that person’s good to provide them with a testimony. That person can then tell someone else who may be struggling with integrity that they too can live a righteous life in Christ! The thorns that were meant to choke your heart on the inside–God can turn your heart inside out and use those thorns as a shield to protect it! Those thorns that used to choke up your paths and block you from walking with integrity can serve as a testimony and a reminder that you can’t do it all on your own. To live a life of integrity means that you lean on the wisdom, strength, and power of God to follow after Jesus’ example. Amen! Have a Blessed day!
Proverbs 2:7-8~ “He stores up sound wisdom for the upright; He is a shield to those who walk in integrity, 8 Guarding the paths of justice, And He preserves the way of His godly ones.…”
Psalm 51:10~ ” Create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a steadfast spirit within me.”
~Cassandra Salamone, All Rights Reserved.
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