Integrity- People of God

Why are we so amazed and perplexed when we see hatred and violence against a person or a nation because of their race, gender, social status or other disparities? It is the nature of the fallen state of mankind to be self-centered. God’s created world system descended into chaos where people are looking to gain what they can at the expense of others. It is the course this world has taken as a result of the fall. God sent Jesus to speak truth and to show humanity “the way” back to the kingdom of God and how to show His love and compassion for others.

We can look at every society in the world, in the western cultures and as far east as we can go and will still see division that promotes disparity, biases, prejudices and hate. The enemy of God has caused division among those created in His image in every area and every arena so as to bring division amongfamilies, generations, cultures and people. It is perverted pride that causes disunity and division among people that allow someto be exalted in wealth and pride while debasing and belittling others only to maintain their status.

Pride is the very thing that initiated Satan’s attempt to rise above God in heaven but failed. In pride Satan wanted to lift his throne above God and he persuaded a third of the angels to follow him in his perversion only to be defeated and thrown out of heaven. Now his hatred is toward all who are created in the image of God. Satan tries to entice mankind into the same trap,by using pride and hatred which led to his destruction, so that they too will be destroyed.  

Jesus brought back God’s kingdom, God’s principles and God’s operating system into this world in the spirit realm. Now there are two world systems in operation on earth, the fallen one that everyone is born into naturally and God’s spiritual kingdomwhere a person must be regenerated and born again through faith in Jesus Christ. 

At birth children are taught to think according the culture and customs they are raised. All these cultures and societies are rooted in this natural fallen world which is dominated by Satan and his lies. All nations and societies, their teachings and trainings have been infested with lies and deceptions of Satan who is the prince of this fallen world system. These fallen practices and methods perpetuate and cultivate corrupt ways of thinking that hold people captive to self-pride, fame and fortune. 

Ephesians 2:2 In which you once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience, NKJ

It is through a new birth and into a new kingdom with the knowledge of God’s operating system in this world and His kingdom principles we are able to change the way we think. When we change the way we think, we can live, work and conduct ourselves differently in this world.  We must convertour old ways to think in God’s ways and principles so to enable change regarding our perspective and attitude, how we look at the things that are going on around us and that are happening to us. Mature followers of Christ will have a different view, a spiritual and kingdom perspective that sees things according to the teaching of Christ and not the world. 

Philippians 2:5, 7b, 8b Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus. ….made Himself of no reputation…. He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. 

Romans 12:2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. NKJ

In some cultures, we see some irreligious views of Christianitywhere they teach being born again is merely saying a prayer so that a person may go to heaven when they die. Also, that they will not have to suffer any trouble but this is not the word of God, many have lost sight of the truth. Christ said, we will be delivered into trouble because the world hated Him and they will hate us too, but He would be with us and never leave us. 

Jesus tells us to not crave the things others may have but to be content with where God has placed you and the things, He has given you. If there are things we need, we are to seek after Him,for the Lord is our helper. There is nothing that we will go through that Jesus has not made provision. Jesus overcame all the obstacles of this world that we may have peace in Him andcan overcome this world through His word.   

John 16:33 I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” ESV

Hebrew 13:5 Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” NKJ

Jesus never promised to keep us from trouble but that He would be with us in our troubles and be a shelter in the storm. We must know God’s truth and His ways to know how to enter into His rest and shelter. The Christian’s mindset must be changed from seeking self-interest, a better life and more blessings to seeking the word of God, to show the love of God and to reflect His image. 

Psalm 31: 19-20 Oh, how great is Your goodness, Which You have laid up for those who fear You. In the presence of the sons of men! You shall hide them in the secret place of Your presence from the plots of man; You shall keep them secretly in a pavilion from the strife of tongues. NKJ  

Rev 2:10 ​Don’t be afraid of the things which you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to through some of you into prison, that you may be tested; and you will have oppression for ten days. Be faithful to death, and I will give you a crown of life. WEB

This old-world system has lost sight of mankind’s created purpose and has been taught to live a lie as to why they exist. People are naturally self-seeking, self-serving and full of pride. Many people are blinded by the lies of this world and are living as though this is the only life they have. Many spend themselves on these fleeting moments that are like passing vapors and they build their lives as castles on sand that will soon be washed away. We are to pass our time here as foreigners and sojourners, people who are passing through this space and time to do the will of God who created us to fulfill His purpose. 

1 Peter 1:17 If you call on Him as Father, who without respect of persons judges according to each man’s work, pass the time of your living as foreigners here in reverent fear. WEB

Matthew 7:26-27​“But everyone who hears these sayings of Mine, and does not do them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand: and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it fell. And great was its fall.”

Jesus told us to take His yoke and learn of Him. Jesus was humble and trusted God to faithful to His word. We are to be as a good solider, one who is about the business of their captain’s mission and not their own selfish desires. 

Matthew 11:29 Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 

2 Timothy 2:3-4 You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Christ Jesus No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier. NKJ