Am I a person of integrity with a clear and focused purpose? What does that mean? Why is it important? These questions run through my mind today.
I believe these two characteristics are absolutely crucial in the lives of Christian leaders, especially those who feel called them to see supernatural growth, fruit and fast growing movements of Kingdom Disciples.
This month, I'd like us to explore these two things briefly as we pray and intercede for a Supernatural Increase in the Harvest.
Integrity. One encyclopedia describes integrity as "consistency of actions, values, methods, measures, principles, expectations, and morals."* Integrity can be seen as the opposite of hypocrisy. In other words, as people of integrity, we do what we say. We can be counted on to be honest with ourselves and others. Jesus spoke about letting our yes be yes, and our no be no. Mean what you say. Put into action what you commit to. Be faithful. Be dependable. Be committed to be the person you say you are.
Lack of integrity causes many problems in our lives. When the real you and the person you project yourself to be don't match, you feel an inner tension and your conscience bothers you. That is true unless this has happened so much that you don't notice it anymore. Others who notice this difference between your words and actions will eventually become sad and disillusioned with your message.
When we preach and teach the Kingdom, at the same time we MUST continue to passionately pursue what it means to live the Kingdom in our thoughts, actions, marriages, teams, and community. Are we preaching the Kingdom but settling for living something else? That lacks internal integrity. Don't settle. Pursue. You might not be there yet, but don't allow yourself to become comfortable with any thing short of living out what you are preaching about. This will lead to high Kingdom impact in the lives of those you mentor, disciple, teach and lead. What will you multiply in your disciples? Kingdom lifestyles that reflect who He is as the Prince of Peace, Father of Love, Compassion, Forgiveness, Giver of Life, who is always at Rest yet always working? Again, let me exhort you. Don't settle. Pursue integrity in Kingdom living.
Lets also briefly look at clear focus and purpose and why that is important for those who would see Kingdom movements released. Distractions. They are constant and continual. Every day, many times each day, we are faced with decisions about where we will invest our time, energy, and other resources. In order to see a movement happen, a leader must be single minded in purpose and sure of what it is they are going after. Clearly defined purpose gives us the freedom to say no to the hundreds of distractions that would pull us away from what we most want to do and most want to see happen in the Kingdom.
James Chapter One speaks of double minded people having divided loyalties. It says that they are unstable in everything they do. How focused are you on the End Vision God has placed in your heart? You can measure your level of focus by how often you say no to things that are not in line with that purpose and goal. I believe God would ask us as FM church planters, and Christian leaders to rise to a new level of passionate commitment to the purpose for which we are called...to a level of clarity of purpose where we no longer feel guilty saying no to other things that would distract us. Even when they are good things. And even when others we love and respect may not understand our "no".
This month as we pray for ourselves, our co-workers, friends and colleagues who are pursuing Kingdom growth and Supernatural increase...focus on these two words. Integrity and Purpose. May God lift us to a new place in these areas as we seek His help and transformation.
*http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Integrity
I believe these two characteristics are absolutely crucial in the lives of Christian leaders, especially those who feel called them to see supernatural growth, fruit and fast growing movements of Kingdom Disciples.
This month, I'd like us to explore these two things briefly as we pray and intercede for a Supernatural Increase in the Harvest.
Integrity. One encyclopedia describes integrity as "consistency of actions, values, methods, measures, principles, expectations, and morals."* Integrity can be seen as the opposite of hypocrisy. In other words, as people of integrity, we do what we say. We can be counted on to be honest with ourselves and others. Jesus spoke about letting our yes be yes, and our no be no. Mean what you say. Put into action what you commit to. Be faithful. Be dependable. Be committed to be the person you say you are.
Lack of integrity causes many problems in our lives. When the real you and the person you project yourself to be don't match, you feel an inner tension and your conscience bothers you. That is true unless this has happened so much that you don't notice it anymore. Others who notice this difference between your words and actions will eventually become sad and disillusioned with your message.
When we preach and teach the Kingdom, at the same time we MUST continue to passionately pursue what it means to live the Kingdom in our thoughts, actions, marriages, teams, and community. Are we preaching the Kingdom but settling for living something else? That lacks internal integrity. Don't settle. Pursue. You might not be there yet, but don't allow yourself to become comfortable with any thing short of living out what you are preaching about. This will lead to high Kingdom impact in the lives of those you mentor, disciple, teach and lead. What will you multiply in your disciples? Kingdom lifestyles that reflect who He is as the Prince of Peace, Father of Love, Compassion, Forgiveness, Giver of Life, who is always at Rest yet always working? Again, let me exhort you. Don't settle. Pursue integrity in Kingdom living.
Lets also briefly look at clear focus and purpose and why that is important for those who would see Kingdom movements released. Distractions. They are constant and continual. Every day, many times each day, we are faced with decisions about where we will invest our time, energy, and other resources. In order to see a movement happen, a leader must be single minded in purpose and sure of what it is they are going after. Clearly defined purpose gives us the freedom to say no to the hundreds of distractions that would pull us away from what we most want to do and most want to see happen in the Kingdom.
James Chapter One speaks of double minded people having divided loyalties. It says that they are unstable in everything they do. How focused are you on the End Vision God has placed in your heart? You can measure your level of focus by how often you say no to things that are not in line with that purpose and goal. I believe God would ask us as FM church planters, and Christian leaders to rise to a new level of passionate commitment to the purpose for which we are called...to a level of clarity of purpose where we no longer feel guilty saying no to other things that would distract us. Even when they are good things. And even when others we love and respect may not understand our "no".
This month as we pray for ourselves, our co-workers, friends and colleagues who are pursuing Kingdom growth and Supernatural increase...focus on these two words. Integrity and Purpose. May God lift us to a new place in these areas as we seek His help and transformation.
*http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Integrity
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