Cultivate a Life of ImpactSample

CULTIVATE AUTHENTIC BEHAVIOUR

The word ‘integrity’ means whole or complete. It refers to the state of being a whole or undivided unit in nature and function. When we embrace the truth of the finished work of Christ by faith and step into the reality of this divine exchange, we are made whole.

Colossians 2:6-10 (ESV) defines this reality –

‘Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving. See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ. For in Him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily and you have been filled in Him, who is the head of all rule and authority.’

This means that in Christ you have been restored to your original purpose, completely integrated, and at peace with God. That which is true of believers spiritually only becomes discernible and visible when practically expressed in our conduct. Sometimes man is so overwhelmed by the consequences of the fall of Adam that he fails to recognize the implications of the triumph of Jesus Christ through the cross in His death and resurrection. As a believer, I am no longer a ‘sinner’ but have become the ‘righteousness of God’ in Christ. The implication is that our faith in what Christ has done is now the basis of our integrity and not our own performance or contribution.

Hebrews 10:12-14 (ESV) drives the point home –

‘But when Christ had offered for all time a single sacrifice for sins, He sat down at the right hand of God, waiting from that time until his enemies should be made a footstool for His feet. For by a single offering He has perfected for all time those who are being sanctified.’

Christ is the measure of our integrity. We are empowered by the Holy Spirit to walk worthy of this calling. The revelation of our identity in Christ is the conviction with which we arrest every contradicting thought or temptation.

2 Corinthians 10:4-6 (ESV) aids us in this regard –

‘For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ, being ready to punish every disobedience, when your obedience is complete.’

Because we have been raised with Christ we must engage and occupy our thoughts with these Throne Room realities and not the contradictions or distractions of a lesser life.

Colossians 3:1-2 (MWB) concludes this truth –

‘Pursue with diligence the consequence of your co-inclusion in Christ. Relocate yourself mentally! His resurrection co-raised you to the same position of authority, seated in the strength of God’s right hand. Becoming affectionately acquainted with Throne Room thoughts will keep you from being distracted again by the earthly soul-ruled realm.’

Two questions to ask yourself today –

1. What is your understanding of integrity?
2. In what way do you need to relocate yourself mentally today?

Our prayer –

Jesus, thank You for the completed work of the cross and that I have been included in that victory. As I grow in the revelation of the cross and realign my thoughts with those realities, may my behaviour reflect those realities.