Integrity- People of God

Life is a process of living through every season and every phase and it is going from one cycle of life to the next. Just being born and living will bring about variation and transformation, be it from infancy, to childhood, adolescence, adult and then death. This same goes for our soul, mind and spiritual growth, because in all these areas we will experience various seasons and cycles of life, whether we want life to change or not.

In this natural life, some people have a tendency to believe theyshould live without problems and troubles. They want to livefree from difficulties and harm, that is part of what is being taught by this fallen world system. It is saying, people shoulddo whatever they want and they deserve to live their lives free from restraint, but it is all lies, falsehoods and deception. We live in a fallen world that is full of sin and we will experience suffering and distress.  If we have not been taught to have the right mindset and understand the spiritual principles of thekingdom of God, we may fall into despair, misery and a state of hopelessness because of the lies of the enemy and what we have been told.

Psalms 119: 33-37   Teach me, O Lord, the way of Your statutes, And I shall keep it to the end. Give me understanding, and I shall keep Your law; Indeed, I shall observe it with my whole heart. Make me walk in the path of Your commandments, For I delight in it. Incline my heart to Your testimonies, And not to covetousness. Turn away my eyes from looking at worthless things,And revive me in Your way. NKJ

Many societies have lost touch with the Biblical moral teachings of Christ. The daily teaching of God’s word and the truth of His love, compassion, forgiveness and unity has been removed from many mainstream circles such as schools, organizations and even some religious organizations. The typical person and many cultures are developing their own opinions, feeling and judgement as to what is right and what is truth according to their perspectives, rather than according to the truth of God’s word. 

Proverbs 14:12,15-16 There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death. The simple believes every word, but the prudent considers well his steps. A wise man fears and departs from evil, but a fool rages and is self-confident. NKJ

Life will bring its challenges, be it the loss of a job, loss of health or a loved one, everyone will face extreme difficulties. Then the question will be, how we will endure and persevere in whatever state we find ourselves.

1 Thessalonians 5:15-18 See that no one renders evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue what is good both for yourselves and for all. Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. NKJ

We are told to forgive those who have wronged us and even though wronged, we do not payback evil doings with evil and revenge. We are to pursue and hunt for a way that is good for both us and those who wronged us. This is not easily done and may take many efforts to be accomplished, that is why we are told to pursue it, to chase it, and to go after what is good. We are told to continue to pray, so that we may grow andunderstand that if we are experiencing these trials and hardships, God has allowed it and it is part of His will for our lives in Christ Jesus. As followers of Christ, we will experience hardships just as He experienced, and like Christ we are to persevere to the end knowing that we will be victorious. 

1 Peter 4:1-2 Therefore, since Christ suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same mind, for he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, that he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh for the lusts of men, but for the will of God. NKJ

Horatio Spafford was a businessman, lawyer and follower of Christ, he suffered major ruin financially with the loss of property in the Chicago fire of 1871. Two years later in 1873 his four children were drowned at sea in a shipwreck while crossing the Atlantic. Horatio sailed to meet his wife, the only family survivor of the wreck and as his ship passed near the place his daughters died he was inspired to write the words to the song, “It is well with my soul.” 

“When sorrows like sea billows roll, whatever my lot You have taught me to say, it is well, it is well with my soul. Let this blest assurance control that Christ has regarded my helpless Estate and has shed His own blood for my soul. It is well with my soul. It is well, it is well with my soul.”

Only a life rooted in Christ and believing in the promises of God can withstand such blows and great losses financially and personally. We must realize it is not what we go through thatwill determine who we are, but it is how we respond to what we go through that will magnify God and reflect His glory on earth. Every life will experience loss and devastation but it is our response that will testify to the world that we have a Hope, which is Christ. If our hope is in this life only, then we all would live most miserably.

1 Corinthians 15:19-22 If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable. But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept. For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead.  For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made aliveKJV

It is by the truth of God’s word and being led by the power of the Holy Spirit that we learn how to survive life atrocities and brutalities. We must learn to live in every season of time and every phase of life knowing that God orchestrates situations and circumstances.  If we are going through hardships, He has prepared a plan of deliverance to work all things to our good sothat we will be witnesses of His Majesty and His Glory in the earth. 

Romans 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. NKJ

Our responsibility is to walk in confident faith and trust in Godand to persevere until we see the goodness of the Lord in our circumstances. We are to be thankful in whatever situation we are in, knowing it is the will of God for us. If God allowed these situations to take place, He has also provided for them and we should let our patience be at work as we persevere with hope in Christ Jesus.  

James 1:2-4 My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. 

Philippians 4:12-13 I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.