First Baptist Church of Texas City
· From Our Family Pastor, Dennis Johns: Integrity matters. Have you ever been on the wrong side of a situation or cause and made a strong stance only later in life to have your beliefs change? I think of what it might have been like for Paul (also known as Saul) in the early days following his encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus. In fact, Ananias was quite nervous about being the one “called” to go and minister to Saul. The disciples in Jerusalem were afraid as well until Barnabas took a stand for him. I would imagine that even with Barnabas’ help, it might have taken some time to truly trust Paul. Can you imagine how Paul’s decisions and the way he previously inflicted pain affected his relationships with others who were seeking to follow Jesus? Can you imagine how much time and energy it took to build trust? Paul was radically changed by his encounter with Jesu, and his transformation was incredible. He began to walk among Jesus’ followers as a different person; his actions were the true testimony of that transformation. He later delivers a message to the Philippians that encapsulates his journey of renewal: 8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. 9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. Philippians 4:8-9 New International Version Paul’s words reveal a maturity of understanding in that what we put in our minds determines what comes out as words and actions. Christ had so radically changed Paul’s actions through renewing his mind that he was even able to say “whatever you have learned or received or heard from me or seen in me—put it into practice” – Wow, now that is integrity. Following his conversion, Paul did not let anything stand in the way of living and sharing the Good News of Jesus. He saw it as imperative, absolute; there was no other way. He didn’t let misfortune or hardship derail God’s intention and purpose for his life. May the example of Paul’s integrity encourage and guide us to further obedience to God’s plan for our journey… think about such things.
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