E-vitation
What a great weekend in the Lord! Great concerts. Great services. Great newcomer dinner! God is moving in our midst. Be in prayer for our Building Committee as they learn the results of our engineers’ work this Friday!
On Sunday I spoke about the things that can assassinate a person’s integrity from Proverbs 11. Proverbs 11:3 says, “The integrity of the upright guides them.” Our integrity is vital if we are going to stay on the right path in life.
Having integrity pleases God! 1 Chronicles 29:17 says, “I know, my God, that you test the heart and are pleased with integrity.”
What are the things that can destroy a person’s integirty? Proverbs 11:3: “The integrity of the upright guides them, but the unfaithful are destroyed by their duplicity.”
1. Duplicity will assassinate a person’s integrity. Talking the talk isn’t enough. You have to walk the walk.
Proverbs 11:6 says, “The righteousness of the upright delivers them, but the unfaithful are trapped by evil desires.”
Discovering our purpose, each one of us, as beings created in God’s image under God’s control and design and committing to that plan, that’s integrity.
2. The second thing that will assassinate a person’s integrity is the use of reckless words.
Look at Proverbs 11:9 and 12, 13: “With his mouth the godless destroys his neighbor.” “A man who lacks judgment derides his neighbor, but a man of understanding holds his tongue. A gossip betrays a confidence, but a trustworthy man keeps a secret.”
Remember, “Out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks.” (Matthew 12:34) If we are reckless and careless with our words, we have a heart problem which means we have an integrity problem.
3. Another thing that can assassinate a person’s integrity is solo living. Look at Proverbs 11:14: “For lack of guidance a nation falls, but many advisers make victory sure.”
You and I were not meant to live in isolation. We need others to speak truth into our lives. Accountability creates stability and stability will sustain integrity!
4. Finally, the last thing that can assassinate a person’s integrity is selfish living. Look at verses 24 and 25 of Proverbs 11: “One man gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty. A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.”
People of integrity recognize the needs around them. They are conscious of ways they can help others. They extend themselves to make life better for other people. Every time we give of our time, our talent or our treasure, we receive the refreshing Proverbs 11:25 speaks of.
What kind of shape is your integrity in?
Are you living a duplistic life in any way or all you all in when it comes to the purpose of glorifying God with your life?
Are any of your words like bullets that are assassinating your integrity as you lose credibility with people due to reckless words?
To whom are you accountable? Who can speak the truth into your life? From whom do you receive instruction and correction?
What was the last generous thing you did?
We can never win the world to Christ without integrity. As God to show you how to strengthen yours this week!
I hope to see you Wednesday! God’s best to you!
Pastor Melissa
