I pray you’ve been enjoying the resolution podcasts for the past several weeks now. If you’ve missed any of the podcasts, you can click here to listen to the previous posts. The resolutions that we have been discussing together are just a few that can be found in a book I had the honor of writing – The Resolution for Women.
in·teg·ri·ty noun /inˈtegritē/
the quality of being honest and having strong moral principles
the state of being whole and undivided
Today’s resolution is all about having integrity. It’s about living out the highest standards of virtue and purity and not allowing evil influences into our lives, even in the most justifiable form.
Even in the most justifiable form.
That phrase can really cause a noticeable, involuntary flinch. We might not have much trouble avoiding the conspicuously evil things, the outright no-no’s. It’s just those undercover, low-key matters, the ones that cloak themselves in the guise of entertainment – those are the ones that hook us. They’re quiet. Too comfortable and familiar, really, to be asked to leave.
There’s no doubt that this resolution calls for an intimate, introspective look at what’s going on in our hearts and homes. It touches on some of those allowances we make behind closed doors, in the quiet of our dens and living rooms, where laziness and leniency have been known to hang around after dinner and stay up into the wee hours.
It can be seen in the television shows we’ve watched, the novels we’ve lost ourselves in, the magazines that have laced our coffee tables, or the music we’ve pumped through our headphones and car speakers.
It requires authenticity to make a resolution like this. It takes honesty to recognize that these things and activities we’ve been sanctioning with our time and attention are a glaring contradiction of who we are and what we believe. Instead of being repulsed by certain behaviors and grieved at the lies being foisted on our generation, we sometimes find ourselves more accepting of them, willing to watch and laugh, considering them suitable viewing with a side of popcorn.
Each case of compromise can dull and mute our spiritual sense, if even just for a little bit. If ignored and allowed, they represent even more – a deliberate refusal to grant God access to that particular area of your life.
Here’s our resolution this week:
I will not tolerate evil influences even in the most justifiable form, in myself or my home, butwill embrace and encourage a life of purity.
If this resolution seems to be a challenge for you or even an ongoing dilemma (as it is for most of us), then do this: commit to being sensitive and responsive to any conviction the Spirit may be impressing on your hearth in regard to one particular pursuit, decision, or activity this week. Listen to His promptings. Don’t ignore His leadings. Be willing to change your temporary wants for His much better alternative as He directs you.
His goal is not to steal your fun but to position you as a clean, pure, available recipient of His best, most fulfilling blessings.
Here are a few questions to ponder as you listen to the podcast:
Is there an area of your life that you’d be embarrassed or ashamed for others to find out about?
How would a deeper, more vulnerable, more comprehensive type of accountability be of use to you in maintaining a high level of integrity? What would that look like, and would you be willing to submit to it?
Bless you,
Priscilla
Enjoy the podcast below:
You can also listen to previous podcasts here.
