Integrity

Integrity is: Doing what you said you would do, when you said you would do it,

and how you said you would do it. –Byrd Baggett

I want for you to sit back and think for a moment about how often you hear the word integrity?   Do you hear it when having coffee with friends, working on a project with a co-worker, or walking around the hallways of your school?   Integrity is a word that is seldom mentioned and unless it is discussed in a study, training at work, or through a message it’s almost forgotten.

Have you ever heard some one say that so and so is a person of integrity.  I have and when this happens it causes me to step back and evaluate that individual, ponder what character traits they posses, and watch how they live their life.  I believe to give this compliment is one of the highest expression of praise you can give another individual.  Why?  Let me explain.

MH McKee says “Wisdom is knowing the right path to take … Integrity is taking it.”   In order to be a leader an individual must have followers.  You might think yes this is true of those in high positions such as Government, CEO’s, & Pastors to name a few.  Well let me tell you my definition of a leader.  A leader is one who humbles themselves daily at the foot of the cross,  seeks the word of God for guidance, and is willing to hear what others have to say.  Yes a man or woman who loves the Lord more than their own lives and whose value through the grace of God is to live a life that is pleasing, and honoring to Him.   Show me this man or woman and I will get behind them 100% because I can see their Character is not wrapped up in the World but in the WORD.  Their identity is in Jesus Christ not in the latest trend or fad that is all over the tabloids or the news, or in what all of their friends are doing to be fitting in…

Peter Scotese says, “Integrity is not a 90% thing, not a 95% thing; either you have it or you don’t.”  I highly agree because a big part of integrity is following through on your responsibilities.   If you know what you stand for and you act accordingly people can trust you.  Integrity begins with a specific conscious decision at every turn we have the opportunity to do the right thing.  What you value, the principles of your life, and the commitment you give to these things will determine the direction you will go.

What are the guiding principles of your life?  Do you make decisions based on the Word or your own desires?  Does what you do when no one is looking line up with who you say you are?

With integrity you can experience freedom.  John Maxwell says, “Not only are you less likely to be dictated by stress that comes from bad choices, debt, deceptiveness, and other negative character issues, but you are free to influence others and add value to them.”  Last, being a man or woman of integrity will open the door for you to experience continued success.

If you have some time read Psalm 78 and learn from David about Integrity.   This is what the Bible has to say about David.  Psalm 78:72 “And David shepherded them with integrity of heart; with skillful hands he led them.”

If you want to be a successful man or woman of integrity you have to ask yourself a question.   Do I want to do the hard work that needs to be done and make those changes that will guarantee success?   This is your choice.

Believe

I heard a story of a young child who at the age of 10 was struggling to still believe in santa clause.  He wanted to believe because of his two younger siblings and the thought of santa not being real shattered everything he had known to be true.  He asked his mother if she still believed and she said yes without a doubt and he told her since she believed that he also wanted for santa to be real.

Children grow up learning about santa clause they hear the stories, watch the movies, and sing the songs.  Santa Clause and his reindeer are everywhere and for some children they are taught to believe more in Santa than the real reason for Christmas which is to celebrate the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ.

I have to say that I am disgusted how Happy Holiday’s has now replaced Merry Christmas.  It’s like Christmas is more about Holiday Cheer then seeing Christ in Christmas.  People want to believe they need to believe and strive to believe in something.  Little children at the age of ten even though they might know better still fight to believe in Santa because it will continue to make their world make sense.

The only world that will every make sense is found in John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”    Believing in Jesus is the only True Belief that will never shatter or break.  To Believe means to have confidence in the truth, the existence, or the reliability of something.

Christmas 2011 falls on a Sunday and I am excited because people all over have the opportunity to attend church.  I have heard many people who are excited about attending a Communion Christmas Service giving God first place this season and choosing to open gifts second.   Putting God first is what He asks of us, surrendering to Him, and celebrating the birth of His Son Jesus is the reason for the season.

If you are ever asked the question from a small child if you believe Jesus is real then you can know with full assurance that the answer is YES!  Yes to believing in Him, Yes to believing in the Cross, Yes to a life lived out trusting in Him and his saving Grace.  YES YES YES!!!!God will never leave us or forsake us his Love for us is intense and real.

This Christmas share about the one who gave up His life so you can have everlasting life.  Believe in His Word, Believe in his Love, & share Merry Christmas wit h all you encounter.  Never conform to the worlds standards or beliefs they are faulty and will leave you in harm yet the words standards and beliefs will never let you down.

Be Radical About Your Belief

Hello world!

My name is Terri Todd and I am super excited about this BLOG!  I love to write, share my random thoughts, and think outside of the box.  I never know where my thoughts will lead, what will spark my interest, and those pictures that will capture my attention.  I love to share about my amazing Father God because He is my Everything.  My next breath comes from Him, my existence is because of Him, and guess what He knew me before I was even born. Thats right all the days of my life are in His hands, and I can walk confidently knowing my steps are ordered  of the Lord.

Sustenance Life means that I am continually in the process of being nourished by my God.  To live a life of sustenance in God means that he sustains me, his Word brings life to me, and my life is complete because of Him.  Nourish your life in God’s word and live out a life sustained in Him.