Have you ever been turned-off or walked away from a leader? Or have you been in a relationship with someone and found out they were a different person behind closed doors?
Could you stand in full confidence with yourself if your actions, attitudes and lifestyle behind closed doors were revealed to the public? Whenever we witness somebody acting differently in private than they do in public, we call them a hypocrite. One of the key characteristics valued by God is integrity. Integrity means to live in truth, to be authentic with God, yourself and your community. The key to true success is to have the integrity of heart. As a result, you will build a genuine relationship and be a trustworthy leader.
Integrity can only grow through intimacy with God. God does not desire perfection, but He wants continuous growth in characteristics that reflect Him. For example, as David pursued God’s heart, his heart started to shift and align with God’s. David gained a reputation for integrity as his character grew. As we grow in intimacy with God, we desire and grow with an integrity-filled heart. In Genesis 20:5 after seeing King Abimelech’s heart of integrity, God displayed special protection over him. God warns Abimelech in a dream by revealing the truth about Sarah, who was Abraham’s wife and not his sister. God uses, trusts and blesses those who value the integrity of heart. If you are drowning in lies and excuses and have been compromising with worldly values, repent and pursue God. Integrity in a heart is found when we run hard after God’s heart.
Are you ready to grow in an integrity-filled heart? Listen to this episode of Raised to Deliver on the Charisma Podcast Network for more. {eoa}
Vladimir Savchuk is the lead pastor of Hungry Generation Church and author of Break Free, Single, Ready to Mingle and Fight Back. He is also a founder of a virtual online school. To download free e-books, sermon series and small group study guides go to vladimirsavchuk.com.
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