struggles

Today we’re back on the topic of reclaiming our core values, inspired by the book #Struggles by Craig Groeschel.  Read more about the book here.

Today, our value is integrity, which is the quality of being honest or having high moral principles. It can also be paraphrased as ‘who you are when no one is looking,’ or ‘walking your talk.’  Integrity’s root word is integer, which in Latin means ‘intact, whole or complete.’

Technology can make integrity a ‘struggle’ because it brings temptation to our fingertips every day. Those temptations can manifest themselves in explicit images, inappropriate videos with jokes, sarcasm and even materialism.

Integrity calls us to remember that our convictions should be guided by time-tested godly principles, rather than what Craig calls ever-eroding popular opinion. If we truly believe that with God, ALL things are possible, then we can believe that the Holy Spirit fuels us with the ability to resist the tide of our sometimes rude, hyper-sexualized and materialistic culture.

How can we revive integrity?  Practically, online, we can use tracking software and ask a trusted accountability partner to receive our reports on our activity.  We can delete accounts and apps that are causing us to stumble. We can also follow the advice of Proverbs 5:8 and just stay away. When we misuse technology, Craig writes, we’re sacrificing peace for a momentary escape.

Ephesians 5:3 says, “Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children 2 and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. 3 But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people. 4 Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving. 5 For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person—such a person is an idolater—has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.”

Those are convicting words, but also an encouragement and motivator for us to pursue integrity in our lives.

Thanks for listening!

-Joe