Integrity

“The man of integrity walks securely, but he who takes crooked paths will be found out.” Proverbs 10:9

Have you ever been caught red handed? It’s a horrible feeling isn’t it? You’re heart rate spikes, time stops and guilt rushes over you. Sometimes we feel as if no one in the world will ever know about the things we do in private or behind closed doors. Think for a moment about things you do daily, weekly and monthly that you hope no one will ever find out about. The verse above can be a hard one to digest. It says that we can hide nothing from God. He knows everything that we have ever done. Psalm 147:5 says, “great is our Lord and mighty in power; his understanding has no limit.” We find out from the Bible that God knows us inside and out. The remarkable part is that God still loves us more that we could ever imagine despite our brokenness.

In Romans 5:8 it says “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” God’s love for us shown through Jesus on the cross should compel us to live a life full of integrity. Trust that God will strengthen us as we live courageously this week.

-Matt

Teamwork

Teamwork

“Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interest, but also to the interests of others.”

Philippians 2:3-4

How often do we think about me before thinking about others? It can be hard to stop thinking about ourselves. Your philosophy may even be to look out for number one and the rest will take care of itself. Paul challenges us to not only serve others but to think of others as more significant than ourselves.

Paul points to humility as the key that unlocks the door for us to show care and interest in others. Once we set aside our own selfishness whether that is with time, money, or attention than we are able to see beyond our own situations and how we can help others.

This is what teamwork is all about. Looking beyond our own personal gain in order to do what is best for the team. When you sit down to watch your favorite sporting event this week look for the best example of teamwork. Maybe it will be an offensive lineman sacrificing his body to protect his quarterback. Think of the great things that have been accomplished because of teamwork and think of ways that we can humble ourselves to care for others. Thanks for reading and have a great week.

-Matt

Perseverance

“Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.” 1 Corinthians 15:58

The dictionary defines perseverance as “steady persistence in a course of action, a purpose, a state, etc., esp. in spite of difficulties, obstacles, or discouragement.” How often are we faced with difficulties, obstacles and discouragement? Most of us would likely say every day, which is why perseverance is so important in each of our lives. Without it, students wouldn’t study longer, athletes wouldn’t train harder, and parents wouldn’t love better. Difficulties, obstacles, and discouragements are sure to come but we are encouraged to be “steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord.”

This passage in 1 Corinthians is an encouragement to those that believe in Jesus Christ. In Matthew 7:13-14 Jesus says, "Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.” Believing in Jesus and following Him is taking the narrow road. The narrow road is not an easy road, but it does lead to life. This week, reflect back on upon the verses in 1 Corinthians and Matthew and continue to persevere towards our reward.

-Matt