Integrity: Character Strength for a Lifetime - Part 3

As newborn babies, we begin life helpless and dependent on others to nurture and care for us in ways that develop feelings of safety and trust. Infants need to be loved and cherished so feelings of trust and security can emerge. Others of God's creation may nurture by instinct, but humans depend on the integrity, love, and compassion of their parents.

Feelings of safety and trust are the foundation on which all developmental stages of life are built. Therefore children need constancy and order, guidance and training, to help them develop integrity for making life's decisions throughout all the other phases of life. Integrity is the character strength that enables a person to face death, as life ends here on earth.

Refrain from idealizing integrity because it doesn't imply perfection. Integrity, strengthened by the Holy Spirit, Christ Jesus, and God's word, gives us guidance for making tough choices that life forces upon us. Integrity and appropriate behaviors form a partnership to create a clear conscience in the person who loves God and desires to please him.  

Spiritual Integrity: Hope for the Family - Part 2

If you were to take stock right now, what would you say is your most important life concern? The majority of people say family takes first place, but  prayer is needed to alleviate the anxiety that comes with facing an uncertain future. Hope for the future tends to diminish where pessimism and negativity are allowed to gain a foothold, for these indicate an attitude of hopelessness.

Integrity anchored in faith and trust in the Lord Jesus Christ provides hope for the future. Integrity under-girds a belief that God faithfully supplies a good  purpose for our existence at every stage of development. Growth, change, and discovery become a never-ending process for those who maintain hope and are willing to participate in what God has to offer.

St. Paul put it this way, "For this reason we do not give up. Even though on the outside it looks as if things are falling apart, our spiritual self is being renewed day after day." Our integrity gets a boost when we put into action what we believe and know to be true of God's faithfulness, mercy, and compassion. 

Spiritual Integrity: Hope for the Family - Part 1

Every day is a challenge in some way, ranging from minor obstacles that are easily managed to major tasks that require precise focus and concentration to conquer. Financial analysts say we're coming out of the economic recession, but have cautioned against overactive expectations. The biggest challenge might be more personal than finding ways to enjoy prosperity.

At a Bible conference for business men and women, many stated a desire to grow spiritually. To obtain a deeper spirituality, a greater challenge has to be met  and conquered. What is that? The greatest challenge is to hold in check the drive and desire to acquire more "stuff" that we're certain will satisfy our need to be happy and content.

God's desire is for us to mature in order to be realistic. With this attribute we can fulfill our commitment to serve Christ Jesus and overcome the challenges we face. Listen to God's promise to Joshua. "No one will be able to stand against you...I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you." That promise is for you.

Overcoming Obstacles by Growth and Change - Part 2

What do you believe is the most important part of yourself that you take to work each day? Is it your capacity to think, perhaps your integrity, that permits you to give of yourself beyond what's expected? If not, it's important to examine your attitude to determine what stands in the way. Obstacles could be persons who do not like you or negative attributes within yourself.

God has given you this unique capacity to think, to observe, to analyze, and  make decisions about what to do in any given situation. If you allow a negative attitude to develop about work, then you're vulnerable to becoming entrapped by these obstacles.

Keep in mind that obstacles can be seen as challenges for change and growth. Romans 12:21 lays out a strategy for dealing with obstacles, regardless of their origin. "Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good." The good you can do is determined by your ability to think and believe that God is at work to help you. Choosing what is good is God's way.  

Overcoming Obstacles by Growth and Change - Part 1

Everyone seeks meaning and purpose for their life, even if what they choose appears misguided or foolish. What gave meaning and purpose at an earlier time can lose significance as we are forced by age or circumstance to move to another phase of life. Adam and Eve were forced from the Garden of Eden to a place of change and challenge.

At some point we're forced to leave what we construct or what was designed  for us. This most often happens in mid-life just when a career or lifestyle appears to be secure. Consider the stay-at-home mom who out of necessity is forced to resume a profession that had been set aside for a higher calling.

Remaining fixated when change is demanded may blind us to present and future opportunities. The good news is that God can do his best work with us in times of transition. Romans 12:2 can be your confidence. "Do not be conformed to the standards of this world, but let God transform you inwardly by a complete change of your mind." What a wonderful choice!