Integrity

Good morning everyone! I hope you all are doing well!

Okay - scripture right away for you - "Surely you desire truth in the inner parts; you teach me wisdom in the inmost place." (Psalm 51:6)

Lately God has been opening up the thought to me about being a Christian of consistency. That means, being a person of integrity. What I say and how I live are according to how I believe. This verse was part of my devotionals today - yes, two of them that I read both talked about this topic (think God's trying to tell me something?) :)

When I read this verse I look at how God wants my life to reflect my deep down faith in Him. He wants me to be a consistent Christian, not a part-time one. This a full one, every day in and out blessing on my life. And it revolves around my obedience.

Oh, how I kinda hate that word. Obey. Do you know how hard being obedient can be sometimes?!? It is difficult! It is not easy being obedient!

But that is the great thing about integrity - you do the right thing, especially when it is hard. And Jesus had told us that our life will not be easy. In fact He tells us that persecution is a sign of being identified with Him.

I got a good picture of this last night. I watched "The Passion of the Christ" with my youth last night and it impacted them profoundly. I am so glad they got the opportunity to see a very real depiction of what Jesus endured to make His sacrifice perfect for us. Anyway, as I was watching the movie, I really was moved by the scene where Simon the Cyrene helps Jesus carry His cross up the hill. Simon was with his daughter, and as the Roman soldiers order him to help Jesus, he first says that he is not acquainted with Jesus and he wanted the people to know that he wasn't. He knew that people would associate that and they would look down on him for that. But as they continued together, Simon gets a real glimpse of who Jesus was and how innocent He was. I tried putting myself in the place of Simon, standing next to the bloodied Savior, helping Him carry His cross. Simon eventually becomes identified with Christ. As they continue, (and part of this is the elaboration of the director - which I do really like this part) Simon utters something very prophetic. Jesus cannot go on and Simon says to Him, "Almost there. It is almost finished." Simon encourages the Savior and identifies myself with Him.

Would I have done that? I don't know. Following Jesus at that time was much different then it is now, and it makes me wonder why that is. We do not face the same kind of persecution. I can still live a life of complete safety and be a follower of the LORD.

Am I failing as a follower of Christ? Is my faith lacking?

I want to live boldly for the LORD. And I know that the world has changed; but I want to be a man of integrity. I want my life to strongly reflect all my hope in Jesus Christ. I want people to know without a shadow of a doubt that I am identified with Christ. And only Christ can claim that on me - that's an act of His grace - not anything I can do.

So, I submit and want Christ to change me. I want Him to transform me and let my faith move in a way that only brings glory to the Father. I want to be all about that. I want to be a consistent Christian - I'm tired of this inconsistency in the world. I submit and surrender to Him. He knows what is best.

Is there anyone else that wants to start a revolution. Is there anyone that will join me?

God's blessings to you all. Love you.

Brandon

music

The other day I was in the gym. I normally have my iPod going with a mix of upbeat songs, all ranging from 80's hair metal to country to pop to contemporary Christian music. For some reason, I decided to go with a different mix, my "worship" mix.

I started my workout on the elliptical and was really enjoying the songs. I continued onto the free weights and started lifting. Now, when I lift and work out - I tend to sing along, not loudly, but I do mouth the words. I start my workout with squats. I began my lift and was singing along. I finished my first set and rested the normal 30 seconds in between. About this time, one of my favorite hymns started going in my ears, "Holy, Holy, Holy."

I found myself starting my next set and as I did, I was unable to sing along. I just listened. As I listened, I found myself being invigorated and strengthened. It was such a cool feeling that is so unexplainable.

I was having an intense week and it was stressful, and so working out was a way that I was relieving my stress. I found as I just listened, I was finding comfort and rest in the Only One who could provide it.

On another note, I found it ironic that as I was strengthening my body, He was strengthening my soul. He was reminding me who was in control and putting me in a place to hear Him profoundly. It is wonderful to hear God speaking! I love hearing His voice and I long for Him to speak more.

Well, if I must continue, I will then! After the workout, I had a busy weekend with work and it was good - but God started stirring in my heart about some issues. As He was doing that, He started peeling away some sin that I had kept. I have never known myself to be a self-righteous person, and yet that is what He is showing me. It stinks to see that but it is what He is showing me. And as I read through Proverbs, I find myself convicted and really seeing myself for the fool I am.

There is sin that He wants to work on in this heart and so, I trust it to Him. I leave it before Him to let Him do a work. I can't say that sanctification is always fun, especially in moments like this, but I know it is worth it.

I came to this realization after a few things that I have been quick to say recently that I have immediately regretted. I am quick to judge people and situations - and that dishonors God. My role as His child is to love and offer forgiveness so abundantly as He has done for me. And I fail at this so profoundly.

I have repented, but see that God wants to change my heart in these moments. Please pray for me that I would be diligent to follow after Him, fix my eyes on Him, and trust Him as my complete refuge.

Thanks for reading my ramblings. I hope you are blessed this day!

Brandon