Any desire that causes you to compromise your integrity will cost you more than you realize. And—it will never be quenched. You will always be thirsty. You may get what you want and be temporarily satisfied—but you always need more.
“Treasures of wickedness profit NOTHING, But righteousness delivers from death.”
Proverbs 10:2
Think back: How many times have you justified… a little lie; a peek of something impure; allowing an unkind thought to linger in your mind; a small theft of your employer’s time? Or, maybe you have compromised God’s standard in a relationship in the name of “love?” How about a slightly shady business deal? Let’s face it, we all have areas where we think sin will give us an edge. We will never profit, if we live like OUR circumstances are the exception to God’s rules. But it’s sure an easy pit to fall into; and I certainly have done so—on many occasions!
And every time I compromised my integrity, I had to learn—all over again—I was the big loser.
You see, one of our most deceptive enemies is our flesh. It is constantly at war against our born-again soul and spirit. And while we won’t be free of this flesh until our body dies—after we are born again—WE NEVER have to be ruled by it!
“For those who are according to the FLESH and are CONTROLLED by its unholy desires set their minds on and pursue those things which gratify the flesh, but those who are according to the SPIRIT and are CONTROLLED by the desires of the Spirit set their minds on and seek those things which gratify the [Holy] Spirit. Now the mind of the flesh [which is sense and reason without the Holy Spirit] is death [death that comprises all the miseries arising from sin, both here and hereafter]. But the mind of the [Holy] Spirit is life and [soul] peace [both now and forever]. [That is] because the mind of the FLESH [with its carnal thoughts and purposes] is HOSTILE to GOD, for it does not submit itself to God’s Law; indeed it cannot.”
Romans 8:5-7
When we submit to the flesh and compromise our integrity; we are in a hostile posture before God. Do we then delude ourselves into thinking that while we are fighting against Him, He will also bless us with His goodness and give us the ultimate satisfaction we desire? If we desire blessings from GOD, we must have clean hands and a pure heart!
“He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not lift up his soul to what is false and does not swear deceitfully. He will receive BLESSINGS from the Lord and righteousness from the God of his salvation.”
(Psalms 24:4-5)
God is pure and holy and so are His blessings. When our desires lead us to steal, lie, gossip, cheat, worry, or in any way violate God’s rules, we are separating ourselves from His holiness. Thus, we are also divorcing ourselves from HIS blessings. Whatever we’re after when we’re compromising our integrity is—far less special—than what God planned for us.
Do you want anything less than God’s best?
If you are God’s beloved child, He LONGS to GIVE you His blessings; but you CAN’T steal them, my friend!!!
When I think about the many desires I pursued by compromising my integrity, it is like watching a tragic movie where the only plot is my own self-destructive heartbreak. But diligently seeking God’s presence has completely changed my story-line.
Righteousness is a gift that positions us to receive God’s abundant blessings; and the greatest blessing is His presence.
To learn more about Kimberly Faith and the mission of Faith Strong, click HERE.
Out Now – Essential Faith, Volume II. Find it on Amazon by clicking HERE.
