Biblical Manhood - Integrity

Rigatoni · Jul 20, 2021

I have sensed a leading by God to create a series of topics about striving to be men of God - something in deficit nowadays. This culture feminizes men and masculinizes women, which is against God's design for mankind. In many cases direct rebellion to God. Our value doesn't come from adherence to personal constructs, but to remaining in Christ and becoming the man or woman of God we were called to be. Complacency can also be very dangerous.

These topics are meant mainly as a challenge to myself to grow, but also for brothers in the Lord to do the same (Proverbs 27:17), to His glory. They can apply to sisters-in-Christ as well, and their participation is more than welcome, as long as it's biblical.

The word integrity is defined as "firm adherence to a code of especially moral or artistic values : incorruptibility". It can also be defined as "the quality or state of being complete or undivided". I see it as being like an immovable rock whom others can trust and rely on, or like a skyscraper with a solid, firm structural system.

What does integrity mean to you?
Why is it important?
How do you build or maintain high integrity?

JohnEmmett · Jul 20, 2021

Not indulging in emotion

(Buddhist answer)

OldWiseGuy · Jul 20, 2021

As stated, integrity is being true to your values.

Without integrity people, and society, fall apart.

Integrity is built by cultivating and maintaining it over time.

Rigatoni · Jul 22, 2021

Developing integrity can be very challenging. I think the best way we grow in that sense is when we are faced with difficulties that test our character and resolve. Making good yet hard decisions in the midst of trial reinforces our morals and strengthens our integrity muscles.

Integrity is important because it can bring great blessing and reward, as well as protection, and is a necessary part of sanctification. It's is essential in marriage, in the connections we make, and when pursuing our passions. As OldWiseGuy mentioned, without integrity and trust society would fall apart. To an extent that's already happening.

"The integrity of the upright guides them, but the unfaithful are destroyed by their duplicity." -Proverbs 11:3

"Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but whoever takes crooked paths will be found out." -Proverbs 10:9

"The one whose walk is blameless is kept safe, but the one whose ways are perverse will fall into the pit." -Proverbs 28:18

"“Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much." -Luke 16:10

OldWiseGuy · Jul 22, 2021

The American people have pretty much pulled the plug on America. It's only a matter of time when God will too.

GospelS · Jul 22, 2021

OldWiseGuy said:
The American people have pretty much pulled the plug on America. It's only a matter of time when God will too.

Sadly, I see that a lot of it is a result of single parenting and multiple marriages that led people to wrong meanings. Isaiah 5 comes to mind.

Rigatoni · Jul 22, 2021

OldWiseGuy said:
The American people have pretty much pulled the plug on America. It's only a matter of time when God will too.

We can learn a lot about God's nature and character by His actions throughout history. God is also a man of integrity - the perfect example of it. If a nation continues in willful sin, eventually He brings judgment. He can't tolerate it.

That's what I love about His character: He remains consistent and faithful. When a nation turns their back on God, He warns and warns and warns for years, in mercy, love and long-suffering. He always does that. He truly desires mercy and forgiveness over wrath, but does bring it eventually if He has to. He can't deny Himself - a man of integrity indeed.

timewerx · Jul 23, 2021

What only matters to male or female is seeking the truth as we are born to a world of lies. Never trust what you think is the truth, keep seeking.

Rigatoni · Jul 23, 2021

Some people spend their whole lives seeking, but never dedicate themselves to actually arriving at a conclusion. This is evil, and hatred or fear of absolute objective truth. So-called "intellectuals" are guilty of this especially, and lead others to do the same to their own destruction.

We are commanded to seek the truth, but also to stick to it once found.

JoyfulFollower · Jul 25, 2021

I would say that integrity at least partially means living in a God honouring way for the right reasons and holding firm to your convictions and beliefs even when in the heat and pressures of daily life.

Rigatoni · Jul 25, 2021

Rigatoni said:
Some people spend their whole lives seeking, but never dedicate themselves to actually arriving at a conclusion. This is evil, and hatred or fear of absolute objective truth. So-called "intellectuals" are guilty of this especially, and lead others to do the same to their own destruction.

We are commanded to seek the truth, but also to stick to it once found.

Looking back at this post, it seems way too uptight lol.

What I was trying to say is that we should be careful not to idolize our own intelligence, and not to be afraid to follow the truth wherever it leads, as well as to test the revelations we receive along the way.

If we never arrive at a conclusion that satisfies the deep answers we all seek, including regarding the nature of existence and the human condition, then something's wrong. We should also love the truth enough to challenge our own preconceived notions.

Sunshinee777 · Jul 27, 2021

Rigatoni said:
View attachment 302630

I have sensed a leading by God to create a series of topics about striving to be men of God - something in deficit nowadays. This culture feminizes men and masculinizes women, which is against God's design for mankind. In many cases direct rebellion to God. Our value doesn't come from adherence to personal constructs, but to remaining in Christ and becoming the man or woman of God we were called to be. Complacency can also be very dangerous.

These topics are meant mainly as a challenge to myself to grow, but also for brothers in the Lord to do the same (Proverbs 27:17), to His glory. They can apply to sisters-in-Christ as well, and their participation is more than welcome, as long as it's biblical.

The word integrity is defined as "firm adherence to a code of especially moral or artistic values : incorruptibility". It can also be defined as "the quality or state of being complete or undivided". I see it as being like an immovable rock whom others can trust and rely on, or like a skyscraper with a solid, firm structural system.

What does integrity mean to you?

Why is it important?

How do you build or maintain high integrity?

Thank you! We need this right now especially men, I think. But as you said, so women also. I don’t have much to say for this topic other than I do pray that all men will claim their masculinity back. I feel like men have lost some of it for reason or another.. And im talking about healthy masculinity when men can cry if they feel like (keeping your feelings bottled up is not wise) but they are still powerful and have authority in the family. For example.

Rigatoni · Jul 27, 2021

Sunshinee777 said:
Thank you! We need this right now especially men, I think. But as you said, so women also. I don’t have much to say for this topic other than I do pray that all men will claim their masculinity back. I feel like men have lost some of it for reason or another.. And im talking about healthy masculinity when men can cry if they feel like (keeping your feelings bottled up is not wise) but they are still powerful and have authority in the family. For example.

This world does feminize men, and I admit I've been affected by it myself. But the Lord has really been challenging me lately to grow, and is shaping me into the man He planned. He treats me as a son and I love it.

I like that idea about healthy masculinity. A man of God needs to know when to be strong, and when to be vulnerable. If we're never vulnerable and can't trust anyone, we'll become too hardened. We definitely need real women of God too; both can be a powerhouse when embraced.

Rigatoni · Jul 31, 2021

Stumbled upon this video just now.

A major incentive to developing strong integrity is knowing that one day we will face God' judgment. We will give an account of what we did here in this life, whether good or bad - it's a promise. It's more assured than the sun rising tomorrow, or even of our next breath. Count on it:

"For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each of us may receive what is due us for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad." - 2 Corinthians 5:10

It's not a joke. God the Father demonstrated His perfect divine justice by pouring out the wrath we so rightfully deserved unto His only Son Jesus. Sadly, someone will reject that act of mercy and drink the cup of wrath stored up for them forever instead, as is their choice. Fallen angels will too drink of the cup of God's infinite wrath, along with those who follow them and their false gospels. Integrity is integral to maintaining our testimony.

Sunshinee777 · Jul 31, 2021

Rigatoni said:
Stumbled upon this video just now.

A major incentive to developing strong integrity is knowing that one day we will face God' judgment. We will give an account of what we did here in this life, whether good or bad - it's a promise. It's more assured than the sun rising tomorrow, or even of our next breath. Count on it:

"For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each of us may receive what is due us for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad." - 2 Corinthians 5:10

It's not a joke. God the Father demonstrated His perfect divine justice by pouring out the wrath we so rightfully deserved unto His only Son Jesus. Sadly, someone will reject that act of mercy and drink the cup of wrath stored up for them forever instead, as is their choice. Fallen angels will too drink of the cup of God's infinite wrath, along with those who follow them and their false gospels. Integrity is integral to maintaining our testimony.

This is the reason im tired of hearing those people who say that ”you can’t get to heaven if you don’t stop drinking/wearing skirt/stop using make up/stop dancing” or anything completely ridiculous rules. To me it sounds like mocking Jesus and God’s sacrifice.. like are you truly succesting that make up for example is reason to go to hell, Jesus would laugh for it im sure or say something really scary, He wasn’t playing He can be really though sometimes with His words. And He has very good reason. Sometimes I feel like these people who are legalistic are the ones who sin the most but hide it. And there has been proofs about this aswell. But anyway, please people don’t be scared, just love Jesus.

Rigatoni · Jul 31, 2021

Sunshinee777 said:
This is the reason im tired of hearing those people who say that ”you can’t get to heaven if you don’t stop drinking/wearing skirt/stop using make up/stop dancing” or anything completely ridiculous rules. To me it sounds like mocking Jesus and God’s sacrifice.. like are you truly succesting that make up for example is reason to go to hell, Jesus would laugh for it im sure or say something really scary, He wasn’t playing He can be really though sometimes with His words. And He has very good reason. Sometimes I feel like these people who are legalistic are the ones who sin the most but hide it. And there has been proofs about this aswell. But anyway, please people don’t be scared, just love Jesus.

Just to clarify: Reverence for God and who He is motivates us to live differently - a changed life is the evidence of genuine faith. Realizing that we are God's representatives and wanting to live up to that standard is not the same thing as legalism. There is a joy in becoming the man or woman of God we were called to be. There is also a danger in living in willful sin, especially if there's no conviction or remorse.

bèlla · Jul 31, 2021

Sunshinee777 said:
Sometimes I feel like these people who are legalistic are the ones who sin the most but hide it. And there has been proofs about this aswell. But anyway, please people don’t be scared, just love Jesus.

Legalism is a spiritual malady. It's rooted in pride and insecurity. By extolling their 'knowledge' they're feeding the lack. They're not looking to edify. They're looking for fans. People who'll cling to their message and follow it without question. When you challenge them there's an argument.

They want...need...crave...authority and recognition. I ignore them.

The Holy Spirit is our GPS. If He doesn't want you to drink, smoke, etc. He'll tell you. And you'll know it came from Him. His messages bring a rhema the others lack. They don't enlighten, instruct, or convict in the manner He does.

~bella

GospelS · Jul 31, 2021

Sunshinee777 said:
Sometimes I feel like these people who are legalistic are the ones who sin the most but hide it. And there has been proofs about this aswell. But anyway, please people don’t be scared, just love Jesus.

Yes. It’s has to be all about His grace than how good we are. Those people need grace, we’ll pray for them and imitate Jesus in loving them-

“Father Forgive Them, They Know Not What They Do.” Luke 23:34

Sketcher · Aug 1, 2021

Psalm 15:

1 LORD, who may dwell in your sacred tent? Who may live on your holy mountain?
2 The one whose walk is blameless, who does what is righteous, who speaks the truth from their heart;
3 whose tongue utters no slander, who does no wrong to a neighbor, and casts no slur on others;
4 who despises a vile person but honors those who fear the LORD; who keeps an oath even when it hurts, and does not change their mind;
5 who lends money to the poor without interest; who does not accept a bribe against the innocent. Whoever does these things will never be shaken.

OldWiseGuy · Aug 1, 2021

God is patient and gives us a space to repent. Some are deeper in sin than others and may require more time. The church is a mixture of babes and those of full age and everything in between. Our judgment should be upon ourselves, not others. :preach:

Coffee and donuts in the lobby.

Biblical Manhood - Integrity

Redeemed Resident Italian

Well-Known Member

Wake me when it's soup.

Redeemed Resident Italian

Wake me when it's soup.

A Daughter of Zion Seeking Her Father in Heaven!

Redeemed Resident Italian

the village i--o--t--

Redeemed Resident Italian

Member

Redeemed Resident Italian

Well-Known Member

Redeemed Resident Italian

Redeemed Resident Italian

Well-Known Member

Redeemed Resident Italian

❤️

A Daughter of Zion Seeking Her Father in Heaven!

Born Imperishable

Wake me when it's soup.

Similar threads