Integrity, Discipline, Communication

God’s people must work effectively together as a group to accomplish God’s purposes here on earth. The wisdom of God is to be made known through the church, that is, through God’s people (Ephesians 3:10). For us to do what God wants us to do, we must function in sync with each other and in sync with God’s word. The two are obviously related. Here are three areas of Biblical truth which will help us have good group dynamics as disciples of Christ today.

Integrity. God’s people must be impeccably honest. Provide things honest in the sight of all men (Romans 12:17 KJV). Even the slightest hint of impure morals, ethically questionable behavior, deceit, or a failure to be totally upfront and straightforward in all that we say and do will pretty much void the effectiveness of our message. People just won’t care about anything we say, much less listen to us, if we are not completely trustworthy. The power of a morally upright life has a tremendous effect on how others will respond to us and to what we say.

Discipline. God’s people must be hard workers. If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me (Luke 9:23 NKJV). We must be actively using the time God has given us to do His will. We must make a conscious decision to do this. It will not take care of itself. It will not happen automatically. We must make it happen. We must work on asking ourselves each waking minute, “How am I using this time for God right now?” Christian good works are myriad. Bible study, prayer, personal moral behavior, words of encouragement, conversational teaching, and self-sacrificing actions are a few behaviors to get us started.

Communication. God’s people must be good communicators. Paul wrote to Philemon that he had heard of his love and faith which he had not only toward the Lord, but toward “all the saints.” Paul went on to say that his prayer was: that the sharing of your faith may become effective by the acknowledgment of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus. For we have great joy and consolation in your love, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed by you, brother (Philemon 1:6-7 NKJV). Would someone say of you that you are one who refreshes the hearts of those around you? Part of the way we do this is by open, full, frequent, loving, and sincere communication.

I will work today on my integrity, my discipline, and my sharing with others!

* The idea for these thoughts came from my oldest son, Eric.