In review of 2 Corinthians 4:2 it reminds me to “Refuse to wear masks and play games. Never maneuver and manipulate behind the scenes. And we don’t twist God’s Word to suit my needs. Rather, keep everything I do and say out in the open” (The Message).
In this verse Paul reminds me to not try to twist Scripture in an attempt to motivate others. Never take Scripture out of context to promote my own view. When I tell others about Christ, be careful to now distort the message just to please those around me. Proclaim the truth of God's Word.
Integrity demands that every area of my life be treated with the same intensity. I need to have the same commitment to excellence in my marriage as I do in my career. I am to have the same commitment to excellence in ministry as I do in my parenting.
Below are six ways I can work this week to become a person of integrity. I become a person of integrity by:
1). Keep my promises. A person of integrity keeps their word. If they say they’ll do it, they do it. If they say they’ll be there, they show up. The Bible says in Proverbs 25:14, “People who promise things that they never give are like clouds and wind that bring no rain” (GNT).
2). Paying my bills. It may not look like a big deal, but it is to God. Am I spending more money than I make? If so, this is a lack of integrity. Do I get myself in debt for things that I can’t pay off? That is a lack of integrity. Psalm 37:21 says, “The wicked borrow and never pay back” (GNT).
3). Refuse to gossip. God is looking for men and women of integrity who know how to keep a secret and not pass it around on social media. Never talk about people behind their backs. Try to not even listen to that stuff, because a “gossip can’t be trusted with a secret, but someone of integrity won’t violate a confidence” (Proverbs 11:13 The Message).
4). Faithfully tithing. Wherever I put my money first is what’s most important to me. Malachi 3:8, 10 say’s, “Is it right for a person to cheat God? Of course not, yet you are cheating me. ‘How?’ you ask. In the matter of tithes and offerings . . . Bring the full amount of your tithes to the Temple . . . Put me to the test and you will see that I will open the windows of heaven and pour out on you in abundance all kinds of good things” (GNT).
5). Doing my best at work. The Bible says in Colossians 3:23, “Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people” (NLT). As a Christ follower, my real boss is God, and whether or not anybody else sees my work, God does.
6). Be real with others. A person of integrity doesn’t act one way in church and another way at work and another way on the golf course. “We refuse to wear masks and play games. We don’t maneuver and manipulate behind the scenes. And we don’t twist God’s Word to suit ourselves. Rather, we keep everything we do and say out in the open” (2 Corinthians 4:2 The Message).
In summary, refuse to put on a false front. Never maneuver or manipulate behind the scenes. Don't twist to suit my needs. Keep every I do and say out in the open. Proclaim the truth of God's Word. Practice becoming a person of integrity by: Keeping my promises (do what I say, I'll do.), Pay my bills, refuse to gossip (keep a secret, never talk about people behind their backs, avoid others who do), Faithfully tithe/give for wherever I put my money first is what's most important to me, do my best at work for my real boss is God who sees everything, be real with others (don't act one way in one area and another way in another.)
Today’s verse and study helps remind me to keep my promises, refuse to gossip, and do my best work for God is my real boss and he sees all whether others do or don’t. I need to consider what promises have I made that I need to follow-up on. I pray this morning Father that through your Spirit that you help remind me to be a person of and practice integrity. I also ask for your wisdom and guidance for today. Help me respond rightly to others, lead my team well and organize and do my work. I pray these things through your Son Jesus name, amen.
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