Integrity means being the same person in Christ at all times. I have been really thinking at lot about this lately. Several people have told me other the past few months that God will use me mightily in ministry. I don't say that to brag because I began to realize that I have not always been the same person in the world as I am in church or during prayer.
There were two things I have really struggled with in the past month or so. First, I have a hard time witnessing to new people. Last week, I realized that it had probably been years since I witnessed to anyone. However, if I can't share the good news of Jesus with a complete stranger, I do not need to be leading a ministry where I will be sharing the Gospel with strangers every week. Last night was the first time in years that asked a total stranger if they were saved. Thankfully G-d gave me someone easy.
Secondly, although I do not know the nature of God's plans as of yet, I can't be wishy washy about sin. I have to be willing to lovingly correct those when I know they are living in sin. Its easy to correct a stranger, but what about a friend? A family member? I think we have a fear that we will lose that person in our lives. But which relationship is more important? The one we have them or the one we have with Christ?
Ezekiel 3:16-19 says that G-d-d will require the consequences of their sins at our hands if we fail to lovingly correct our brothers and sisters in Christ. If they sin unknowingly, we are even more guilty than they are because we are aware that they are in sin. We are even guilty of their sin because we turned a blind eye. If I don't have the boldness to lovingly correct someone in sin, I don't belong in ministry.
I was under conviction. G-d sent me to correct someone. I chickened out the first time around. Yet I knew that this was the Goliath I had to face or G-d would never use me in ministry. Thankfully, Christ strengthened me and I was able to speak with boldness. It was one of the hardest things I have ever done. I do not glory in that because the Holy Spirit gave me spiritual guts to speak boldly. G-d gets all the glory.
These are just some of the steps I have taken in order to walk in integrity. G-d is still teaching me and I am a work in progress.