F4S: I like humble integrity with godly character. This combination can make an impact in your world.

Saturday, May 14, 2022

I like humble integrity with godly character. This combination can make an impact in your world.

We can do very little about what people say or think about us, but we can go to great lengths to live a godly life with humble integrity in the Lord.

Man, I love the Lord and I love His integrity combined with good character a lot! Do you see this in some Christians. I do, every week. 

Dare ya if I may, try blending the two into your close Christian walk with the Lord. Christ is so there for us to save, to transform and to help. 

Dare ya, try blending the two into your life. In which book can we find this addressed? I say start with the wisdom in Proverbs.

"He who walks with integrity walks securely, but he who perverts his ways will become known." Proverbs 10:9 (all vss nkjv)

"The integrity of the upright will guide them, But the perversity of the unfaithful will destroy them." Proverbs 11:3

"He who walks in his uprightness fears the Lord, but he who is perverse in his ways despises Him. In the mouth of a fool is a rod of pride, but the lips of the wise will preserve them." Proverbs 14:2-3

"The righteous man walks in his integrity; His children are blessed after him." Proverbs 20:7

"Whoever walks blamelessly will be [a]saved, but he who is perverse in his ways will suddenly fall." Proverbs 28:18

6 For the Lord gives wisdom;
From His mouth come knowledge and understanding;
7 He stores up sound wisdom for the upright;
He is a shield to those who walk uprightly;
8 He guards the paths of justice,
And preserves the way of His saints.
9 Then you will understand righteousness and justice,
Equity and every good path.

10 When wisdom enters your heart,
And knowledge is pleasant to your soul,
11 Discretion will preserve you;
Understanding will keep you,
12 To deliver you from the way of evil,
From the man who speaks perverse things,
13 From those who leave the paths of uprightness
To walk in the ways of darkness;
14 Who rejoice in doing evil,
And delight in the perversity of the wicked;
15 Whose ways are crooked,
And who are devious in their paths..”  Proverbs 2:6-15 nkjv

"For the upright will dwell in the land, and the blameless will remain in it; but the wicked will be cut off from the [b]earth, and the unfaithful will be uprooted from it." Proverbs 2:21-22

"When I was my father’s son, tender and the only one in the sight of my mother, He also taught me, and said to me: “Let your heart retain my words; Keep my commands, and live. Get wisdom! Get understanding! Do not forget, nor turn away from the words of my mouth. Do not forsake her, and she will preserve you; Love her, and she will keep you." Proverbs 3:4-6

“Exalt her, and she will promote you; She will bring you honor, when you embrace her. She will place on your head an ornament of grace; A crown of glory she will deliver to you.” Hear, my son, and receive my sayings, And the years of your life will be many. I have taught you in the way of wisdom; I have led you in right paths. When you walk, your steps will not be hindered, And when you run, you will not stumble. Take firm hold of instruction, do not let go; Keep her, for she is your life. Do not enter the path of the wicked, And do not walk in the way of evil.”  Proverbs 4:8-14

"Righteousness guards him whose way is blameless, but wickedness overthrows the sinner." Proverbs 13:6

"Better is a little with righteousness, than vast revenues without justice." Proverbs 16:8

“Better is the poor who walks in his integrity than one who is perverse in his lips, and is a fool.” Proverbs 19:1

"A wicked man hardens his face, but as for the upright, he establishes his way." Proverbs 21:29

"A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, Loving favor rather than silver and gold." Proverbs 22:1

Christian character is so important. Got some questions about it?
In the Bible you can clearly see a detailed portrait of the character of God. Sure, and He is good. Perhaps the most outstanding feature of God’s character is that He is a loving Father towards all believers (Ephesians 1:2; Galatians 1:1; Colossians 1:12; 1 Thessalonians 1:3). And He loves you today, every single day. 

God, by His very nature isn't half or partly good, He is wholly good (Mark 10:18; 1 Timothy 4:4). His goodness is unmatched, and because of it, we can trust in Him: “The LORD is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him” (Nahum 1:7; see also Exodus 33:19; Psalm 25:8; 34:8; Matthew 19:17; 2 Peter 1:3). In His goodness, God always has our best interests at heart: “We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God, who are called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28, CSB; see also Genesis 50:20; Jeremiah 29:11; Lamentations 3:25). Everything God does is an expression of His goodness and designed to benefit His people. Are you a person of sound faith? I don't mean putting your faith in you or in something else as the object of your worship. If you are a person with biblical faith then you can benefit today. Come to Jesus as you are with a willingness to change as He changes you. 

God’s holiness is unequaled: “There is no one holy like the LORD; there is no one besides you; there is no Rock like our God” (1 Samuel 2:2; see also Leviticus 11:44–45; 19:2; Isaiah 6:3; 43:15; 1 Peter 1:15–16; Revelation 4:8). There is no stain of sin or of evil or of impurity in God: “God is light; in him there is no darkness at all” (1 John 1:5; see also Psalm 12:6; 19:8).

What are so attributes and characteristics of God that draw you to Him?

The Lord is also a God of pure righteousness, meaning He exists in a state of moral perfection: “God presented Christ as a sacrifice of atonement, through the shedding of his blood—to be received by faith. He did this to demonstrate his righteousness, because in his forbearance he had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished—he did it to demonstrate his righteousness at the present time, so as to be just and the one who justifies those who have faith in Jesus” (Romans 3:25–26; see also 2 Chronicles 12:6; Psalm 33:5; Isaiah 45:21).

God is also just; He is perfectly upright and fair in how he treats His creation: “Yet the LORD longs to be gracious to you; therefore he will rise up to show you compassion. For the LORD is a God of justice. Blessed are all who wait for him!” (Isaiah 30:18; see also Deuteronomy 32:4; Zephaniah 3:5; Acts 17:31; Revelation 16:5–6).
Loving, compassionate, gracious, kind, and merciful are all central descriptions of the character of God (Nehemiah 9:31). So kindhearted and caring is He that Scripture says, “God is love” (1 John 4:8, 16). The psalmist describes God as “compassionate and gracious” and “abounding in love and faithfulness” (Psalm 86:15). So great is God’s love for us “that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16; see also 1 John 4:9–10). Because of His great love, Christ died for us, even while we were still sinners (Romans 5:8; see also Titus 3:4–5). God’s mercy and compassion never fail; they are renewed continuously toward us day in and day out (Lamentations 3:22–23).

Part of God’s character is faithfulness: “God is faithful, who has called you into fellowship with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord” (1 Corinthians 1:9; see also Isaiah 49:7 1 Thessalonians 5:24). In our struggles and failures, God is faithful to forgive us when we confess our sin and return to Him: “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9). In times when we stumble and fall, it is immensely encouraging to know that God will never abandon us. Even when we are utterly unfaithful, God remains faithful and true because that is who He is; it is God’s character to be faithful (2 Timothy 2:13; see also Revelation 19:11).

God is truthful, and His Word is true: “We know also that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know him who is true. And we are in him who is true by being in his Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life” (1 John 5:20; see also John 17:17). God and His Word form a trustworthy foundation for life (Psalm 12:6; 26:3; 33:4; 43:3; 86:11). In Him is no falsehood, lies, or deception (Numbers 23:19; Isaiah 45:19; Romans 1:25; Hebrews 6:18). What God says is absolutely reliable (Jeremiah 10:10). His Word is consistent with His character and His revelation of Himself (John 7:28; 8:26). Because of God’s character, we can count on Him to fulfill His promises (Psalm 31:5).

Patience and longsuffering are attributes of God’s character. He is “slow to anger,” dealing patiently with rebellious sinners (Exodus 34:6; Numbers 14:18; Psalm 86:15;). God was patient in delaying the flood in Noah’s time while the ark was under construction, giving sinners plenty of time for repentance (1 Peter 3:20). Likewise, the prolonging of Christ’s return is not an indication of slowness or hesitation on God’s part, but of His longsuffering, as He does not want anyone to die without the opportunity to repent, be saved, and enter into His family (2 Peter 3:9–10). At the heart of God’s character is His desire to be a Father to all who draw near to Him (Psalm 68:5; 103:13; Isaiah 63:16; 64:8; Ephesians 4:6; 1 John 3:1).

The more deeply we dig into the Scriptures, the more we will uncover new and beautiful facets to the character of God. And the longer we spend time with Him and in His Word, the better we will know and understand His nature. We will discover that God never changes (Malachi 3:6; James 1:17), that He is all-knowing, all-powerful, and always present everywhere (Psalm 139:7–10; Hebrews 4:13). He is perfect (Matthew 5:48), and He is three in one. We can spend a lifetime seeking after Him and still only scratch the surface of comprehending the depth of our heavenly Father’s character.

Have character with godly integrity and be humble before the Lord, this is a choice.

1.) Never be lazy, apathetic or indifferent. Sow to the Spirit aggressively instead of getting distracted, believer. If you're fairly busy seeking the Lord, you won't have the time left over to be seeking a fleshly or worldly independent agenda apart from Him. 
2.) Never pretend, be yourself at all times, and be spiritual, believer, rather than carnal, spiritually compromising or corrupt-worldly or religious. Yes, there's no no room for spiritual compromise if you want to mature. Live with the Spirit of the Word of God leading you daily, maintaining a clear conscience. No foe acts of humility like the false teachers like to do.  
3.) Never presume. If you are presumptuous you will indeed become disappointed with God. Stick with the facts (in the word), and act wisely with those facts. 

The good information of God's inspiration without wise application only leads to religious perspiration, frustration, and spiritual constipation. But coupled with wise application, this leads to regeneration, sanctification, maturation and life-transformation.   

4.) Never push people or strive in the flesh. Pray, listen up, walk in victory, abide in the Vine and wait on the Lord for His leading and provision. Be out serving others rather than expecting others to serve you. Dear Lord Jesus, please help me humble myself before you. I want to live humble close to You, but don't let me know about the humility. Yes, the Bible says we are to humble ourselves, but we need not focus on that instead of focusing on Him.

Humble character is imperative if you want God to use you. And godly character with integrity starts with humble faith in Jesus.  

  1. Never look or talk down on anybody unless you're reaching to help them up. 
  2. Humility is not thinking less of yourself, it's thinking of yourself less. C. S. Lewis
  3. Pride makes us artificial and humility makes us real. Thomas Merton
  4. "Thank you" is the best prayer that anyone could say. I say that one a lot. Thank you expresses extreme gratitude, humility, understanding. Alice Walker
  5. The greatest friend of truth is time, her greatest enemy is prejudice, and her constant companion is humility. Charles Caleb Colton
  6. The proud man can learn humility, but he will be proud of it. Mignon McLaughlin
  7. Real genius is nothing else but the supernatural virtue of godly humility in the domain of thought. Simone Weil
  8. Humility is really important because it keeps you fresh and new. Steven Tyler
  9. Humility, is that low, sweet root, from which all heavenly virtues shoot. Thomas Moore
  10. Humility is owning up to personal sin with true repentance and then totally giving oneself away in complete consecration to the Lord of lords and the King of all kings. This turning, trusting and surrender are exactly where communision, and godly character with integrity begins. KvS
  11. Pride must die in you, or nothing of heaven can live in you. Andrew Murray
  12. Humility is nothing but truth, and pride is nothing but (deception and) lying. Vincent de Paul
  13. One cannot be humble and aware of oneself at the same time. Madeleine L'Engle
  14. Selflessness is humility. Humility and freedom go hand in hand. Only a humble person can be free. Jeff Wilson
  15. Choose to deny yourself -- have more humility in you as you depend upon the Spirit for everything. Remember you don't know the limits of your own abilities or giftings after they are blessed of Christ for the Great Commion's sake. It all due to your new found relationship with Him. KvS
Humble godly character is defined as strength of moral fiber. A.W. Tozer described character as “the excellence of moral beings.” As the excellence of gold is its purity and the excellence of art is its beauty, so the excellence of man is his character. Persons of character are noted for their honesty, ethics, and charity. Descriptions such as “man of principle” and “woman of integrity” are assertions of character. A lack of character is moral deficiency, and persons lacking character tend to behave dishonestly, unethically, and uncharitably.

A person’s character is the sum of his or her disposition, thoughts, intentions, desires, and actions. It is good to remember that character is gauged by general tendencies, not on the basis of a few isolated actions. We must look at the whole life. For example, King David was a man of good character (1 Samuel 13:14) although he sinned on occasion (2 Samuel 11). And although King Ahab may have acted nobly once (1 Kings 22:35), he was still a man of overall bad character (1 Kings 16:33). Several people in the Bible are described as having noble character: Ruth (Ruth 3:11), Hanani (Nehemiah 7:2), David (Psalm 78:72), and Job (Job 2:3). These individuals’ lives were distinguished by persistent moral virtue.

Character can be influenced and it is developed by our personal choices. Daniel “resolved not to defile himself” in Babylon (Daniel 1:8), and that godly choice was an important step in formulating an unassailable integrity in the young man’s life. Character, in turn, influences our choices. “The integrity of the upright guides them” (Proverbs 11:3a). Character will help us weather the storms of life and keep us from sin (Proverbs 10:9a).

It is the Lord’s purpose to develop character with integrity and maturity within us. “The crucible for silver and the furnace for gold, but the LORD tests the heart” (Proverbs 17:3). 

Godly character with consistent love and integrity is the result of the Holy Spirit’s work of sanctification. Good character in the believer is a consistent manifestation of Jesus in his life. It is the purity of heart that God gives becoming purity in action. God sometimes uses trials to strengthen character: “we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope” (Romans 5:3-4). The Lord is pleased when His children grow in character. “You test the heart and are pleased with integrity” (1 Chronicles 29:17; see also Psalm 15:1-2).

We can develop character by controlling our thoughts (Philippians 4:8), practicing Christian virtues (2 Peter 1:5-6), guarding our hearts (Proverbs 4:23; Matthew 15:18-20), and keeping good company (1 Corinthians 15:33). Men and women of character will set a good example for others to follow, and their godly reputation will be evident to all (Titus 2:7-8). Thanks GotQuestions.
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