Two things no one can take from you: your faith and your integrity!

I’ve often said there are two things in life no one can take from you-your faith and your integrity. While both can be challenged and attempts made to mar or discredit each-ultimately it is the actions of the individual that define and demonstrate one’s faith and integrity. Let’s look at each in a bit more depth.

Faith is defined in the dictionary app as “1. confidence or trust in a person or thing 2. belief that is not based on proof”. For me, my faith is an internal sense of knowing God’s love for me. It’s a trust that no matter what life brings my way, God is there. He is guiding me and writing my story in a way that only He can. My challenge is to keep my eyes on Him and only Him, listening attentively and obeying what He calls me to do. Thankfully, He is a gracious and merciful God that gently redirects me(if I’m willing to listen) when I go astray. You see, even God has given us free will-a choice. He pursues us, but ultimately it is our choice to submit and be obedient to His call and will. How trusting is that of Him to give us a choice in the matter?! He wants a relationship with you and I, but ultimately He gives us the choice. So I as an individual am responsible to decide what I will believe and who I will follow during this time here on earth. No one can take that from me. That’s not to say some won’t challenge it, mock it or try to change my belief, but I get to choose what I will put my trust and faith in each day. So the question is what or who will you put your faith in, or will you choose to have none?

Integrity is defined in the dictionary app as “1. adherence to moral and ethical principles; soundness of moral character, honesty 2. state of being whole, entire, or undiminished.” My integrity is another area that I as an individual have control over and is a result of what my words and actions portray. Do my words and actions match? What is my moral compass for the choices and decisions I make? Am I willing to say sorry and seek forgiveness when I do wrong or hurt someone unintentionally? Am I more selfish and me focused or am I more concerned for others and want to be a servant and help? What do I see in others when I interact with them? How do I interact with them-lovingly or judgmentally? Do I see the good in them or do I only see flaws? When tough decisions have to be made, do I do what is right regardless of the outcome or do I choose to do what may be easy and more comfortable despite it not necessarily being the right choice? All these questions and how I respond paints a picture of my integrity as a person. While others may from the outside make fun of or try to mar one’s character, ultimately it is the my words and actions over a period of time that develop and determine my integrity. Words and actions have to be consistent and unchanging over time and in various situations to withstand external attacks. In a sense, I must be true to who I am and the person I believe God made me to be, with each word, choice and thought I make. While this is no easy task and I know at times I’ve missed the mark. I am grateful for a loving God that a is patient with me and helps me to make amends and get back on track. Accountability and making amends is also a powerful component of one’s integrity as none of us are perfect.

For me faith and integrity are inter related. I put my faith in God and who He says I am-a child of God; a beloved daughter. My moral compass for making decisions in life is based on the character of Jesus who God sent to be our role model. The Bible is where I learn about God and Jesus’ character. Unlike the moral compass of culture, which changes with the times and what’s popular at the moment, the character and compass of Jesus and God is unchanging. No matter the situation or circumstance, God’s character does not change. It’s a solid foundation for building and guiding your life.

I’m grateful for my faith as it gives me hope and guidance in my daily life. It is through my faith, using the character of God and the Bible as my moral compass, that my integrity as a person is built. Where do you place your faith and how is your integrity built? Your integrity and how others see you helps either build trust or destroy trust. It is in trust that deep intimate relationships are built. I am grateful I can fully trust God!!!

Have a blessed and amazing week!!