Freedom in truth with Integrity

Today’s scripture:

Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, let your mind dwell on these things. (Phil 4:8)

Integrity is a very important part of our walk with the Lord Jesus. I hear so often that people look at christains as being hypocritical or judgmental. Now, I understand that some of that comes from people just wanting to blame someone because they themselves do not want to face what sin they are living in. Unfortunately, christains can be an easy target in that way. However, it is also even more unfortunate that people who confess to be a follower of Christ Jesus live in a way that leaves their integrity at risk.

The verse above covers every area of how a person should conduct himself or herself with integrity. When you have a reputation as someone who is always trying to sidestep the truth or worse yet, lying about someone to get yourself out of trouble or him or her into trouble, you are considered to be someone with a shady character. In all reality, isn’t this the kind of thing we teach 4-year-old children?

When Jesus spoke, He always spoke with truth and authority. He said, “. . . I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father, except through Me.” (John 14:6). Jesus Christ had perfect character and perfect integrity. Now, lets take this part where He says, “no one comes to the Father except through Me.” If Jesus is Truth, which is what He said, then wouldn’t it be the same to say…”I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through THE TRUTH”?

Now, let me clarify something here, I’m not saying if a person lies they are going to hell. But I am saying if you are continuing to live a WAY of life that is shady a lot of the time and your not feeling convicted of it and your not changing your ways, then I would have to encourage you to check yourself and ask the Lord to show you if you belong to Him.

Jesus led the way in which we shall live. He says to follow Him. In everything we do, we need to walk in the light as He is in the light. “This is the message which we have heard from Him and declare to you, that God is light and in Him is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us.” This can only be done by receiving His mercy of forgiveness and strength to obey His commands.

Because Jesus is “TRUTH”, the truth will set you free (John 8:32). Jesus is the only way we can be set free from the life of bondage. See, when you speak truth, it brings things that are hidden into the light. Sin needs to stay hidden and in darkness to survive and grow stronger. Bringing things into the light kills sin and it breaks bonds.

Lets look at the ninth of the Ten Commandments in Exodus 20:16 “You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.” – Basically, don’t lie! Plain and simple. The ways of God is truth and when you bear false witness and lie, your taking on the character of Satan. Satan is constantly trying to deceive you with lies. In the book of Job Satan attacks Job’s character as he talks with God. He says to God, Job will surely curse You to Your face if he looses all You have blessed him with.

The mercy here in this law is truth. You wouldn’t want someone to lie about what you have done or lie about your character. If you lie about someone your taking from them the truth that should be known. Your taking from them the mercy that is needed. Mercy is in the truth because it is something that will set you free and by this will also protect your integrity.

Reflection:

Freedom is in the truth. If you want to be set free from a life of bondage, one of the things you need to put into practice is telling the truth. Not just of other people but telling on yourself! When you know you have fallen into sin, tell on yourself to the Lord Jesus and to someone in spiritual authority. The truth will set you free!

Challenge:

Share with someone today truth about their character for the purpose to build them up and to encourage them. You may have to look hard and even study them but I guarantee you will find at least one or two things that are truth. Do this with today’s scripture in mind.

-Doug McGowan