We will often be put in positions that will challenge our integrity. God is watching us to gauge the state of our conscience and measure the strength of our heart. As our Creator, He seeks to bring us into alignment or congruence with His values. His standard of measure is His Son.
Hence, He seeks to fashion us in like manner with His nature; and we express His nature and character being Christ-like. As He takes pleasure in seeing His Son’s nature expressed through us, the more He finds such congruence, the more favor He bestows. In participating in His fashioning process, we will encounter times that will test our integrity and patience to see who we fear and who we seek to please—God or man.
“He who rebukes (reasons and honestly reproves) a man will find more favor afterward than he who flatters with the tongue” (Proverbs 28:23).
RELEVANCE
The one who reflects upon God’s faithfulness and goodness, embraces His word and follows it will find His nature contagious! It is how God imparts His nature in us through His Spirit. As we receive His nature and participate in what He does through a renewed and disciplined heart and mind, His favor will be seen more and more. It’s called growing in maturity. I have found this to be true in working with managers at work as well as with clients and potential clients.
“A good man obtains favor from the LORD, but a man of wicked intentions He will condemn” (Proverbs 12:2).
“You are my portion, O LORD; I have said that I would keep Your words. I entreated Your favor with my whole heart; be merciful to me according to Your word” (Psalm 119:57-58).
REFLECT AND RELATE .
When you find yourself in positions tempting you to compromise integrity, cling to God. Ask for GRACE to TRUST in God and be strengthened in heart. When you fall short talk to God and ask for another chance. It will come around. He will prepare you.
REFERENCES
1 Kings 9:4; Psalm 7:8; 25:20-21; 26:1; 78:70-72