Walking with Integrity in Christ

INTRODUCTION: Again this month I follow the devotionals of John MacArthur in his book Strength for Today; and his topic for the month of June is CHRISTIAN INTEGRITY. Personally, I believe that we could all do more to tune up our integrity when it comes to moving toward Christlikeness, which should be the goal of all Christians. So, if, like me, you want to think, talk, and act more like Jesus, come along with me in this study. After my post for June 1st, each of my successive entries for this month will be added as comments to this blog. But if you're following along, feel free to add your own comments as well to this journey toward Christlike integrity. <'BB><
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A Year of Daily Devotionals: A Journal by Bill Berry … June, 2008

June 1, 2008 …

Passage of the Day: Psalm 15: 1 - 2 … 1 LORD, who may dwell in Your sanctuary? Who may live on Your holy hill? 2 He whose walk is blameless and who does what is righteous, who speaks the truth from his heart …

My Journal for Today: This month, once again with the help of John MacArthur’s Strength for Today devotional, the focus topic for this month of June will be that of Christian integrity. From today’s passage that would be defined as one who “does what is righteous [and] speaks the truth from his heart.”

Primarily MacArthur will be using passages from the Old Testament book of Daniel, who truly was a living example of the man of integrity spoken of by David in Psalm 15. In the New Testament, the Apostle John describes the essence of a truly mature Christian as being one who walks in Christlikeness … see 1st John 2: 3 – 6 …

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1st John 2: 3 - 6 We know that we have come to know Him [i.e., Christ] if we obey His commands. 4 The man who says, "I know Him," but does not do what He commands is a liar, and the truth is not in him. 5 But if anyone obeys His word, God's love is truly made complete in him. This is how we know we are in Him: 6 Whoever claims to live in Him must walk as Jesus did.
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As we will see, Daniel, even in anticipation of his Messiah, was just such a man, … living in Christlikeness, not having the advantages which were afforded the Apostle John, who was so close to Christ. Daniel was a man who fit the mold of Christlikeness even before Christ walked the earth. He was one who would not bend to peer or power pressure as the world attempted to mold his faith to fit the culture or circumstances. He held on to his principles and Godly precepts, even in the threat of death to more than one king. He truly was a man of integrity.

So, as today’s passage teaches, in order for us to have God abiding in our “sanctuary” (i.e., heart), which, of course, signifies our very being, we must walk with uncompromising integrity, … which, for the Christian, translates into Christlikeness and obedience to God’s word.

My Prayer Today: O, Lord, help me be a man of integrity. Amen