New Believers Bible - Flipbook - Page 105
CORNERSTONES
page
A32
Honesty and integrity seem to be in short supply these days. Yet the Bible tells us
that they are a part of the godly person’s life. Unfortunately, the world tends to
gloss over that aspect of the Christian life. It wants to characterize Christians as
people who are out of touch with reality. But the Christian is simply someone who
allows God to influence every aspect of his or her life—down to the practical,
everyday dealings of business, finances, and relationships. The follow- ing
passages examine how honesty and integrity should characterize our lives.
1. We Should Be above Criticism. Daniel’s faithful and honest lifestyle
made him “stand apart” from everyone else (see Daniel 6:3-4, page 762).
2. Our Conduct Should Cause Others to Glorify Christ. Living a good,
honest life around our unbelieving neighbors will ultimately bring glory to
God (see 1 Peter 2:9-12, page 1136).
3. We Need to Set an Example for Others. We must seriously pursue a
life of integrity in order to be a solid example for our fellow Christians (see
Titus 2:6-8, page 1106).
When a person truly comes to Jesus Christ, this relationship will dramatically
transform his or her life. We may see this transformation more immediately
in the lives of some than others. For those whose lives are characterized by
pronounced bad habits and blatant immoral living, the change in lifestyle will
show others that something profound has indeed happened within that person’s
life. For others who may not be known for blatantly sinful living, the change may
not be as outwardly pronounced, but it is just as significant. Remember, all of
us were separated from God by sin, which was dealt with and atoned for at the
cross of Jesus.
Our conversion will show itself in both fruit and works. This concept of
“bearing fruit” is used often in Scripture to describe the results of someone’s
commitment to Jesus Christ. If we do not bear fruit, then it is apparent we have
not really come to know Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. Bearing fruit is not
an option. It is the natural result of a person coming into union with God.
Sometimes there is confusion in this area of fruit bearing, or works. See what
the Bible has to say about the issue.
1. Our Lives Should Show That God Is at Work in Our Hearts. God
desires that we demonstrate our spiritual growth through our outward
actions (see Romans 7:4, page 1008).
