Seek Christian Integrity
Twylla Sundin
Integrity is necessary to be apostolic. So many people have tried to say that they are apostolic that many do not even know what apostolic means anymore. Apostolic means that we do what the apostles did. They were not impressed with careers, money or positions. They wanted their life to mimic the life of Jesus Christ. They know that if their message was going to have integrity, their life must match their profile. If we want to be apostolic, we must do what Jesus did. It sounds simple, but that is why people are tired of religion. Most Christians lives do not match Jesus’ example. Even Jesus challenged his listeners by saying, “If I do not the works of my Father, believe me not. But if I do, though ye believe not me, believe the works; that ye may know and believe that the Father is in me and I in Him. (John 10:37-38) An apostolic person seeks to mimic the life of Jesus and His followers.
The unbeliever is not stupid. Just as a persons’ flaws in their profile will eventually find them out, so will your life prove if you have integrity. It only takes time. An unbeliever knows when someone is just like them. Many knew that Jesus was different because His actions were completely in sync with His works. Do not fool yourself; others know if you are real.
Our integrity casts an impression of Jesus. If the unbeliever doesn’t believe that you have integrity, then they will not believe that your God has integrity, then they will not believe that your God has integrity. Make every choice matter – from where you spend your money to the friends you choose. Make your very next decision a Christ-like decision and follow the example of the Bible. Be full of the Holy Spirit and practice spiritual disciplines. A daily prayer life will help you stay focused on the things of God and will stir up the gift that God has given you. Let your testimony hold you accountable. It is good to appropriately tell someone that you are a Christian or that you have made a moral decision. For in a time of temptation, that testimony will hold you accountable and in the end save your integrity. If everyone knows you call yourself a Christian, you will be less likely to make a regrettable decision.
The way that the followers of God will differentiate themselves from all the other “brands of religion” is if we focus on the right things first – our integrity. So check your profile page and edit anything that doesn’t match Jesus Christ. You will never regret it.
