There is so much deception, lying and word-smithing today that most people have stopped trusting in others. The bedrock of trust is integrity of character. You simply can’t trust one who says one thing, but does another. Proverbs 16:13 (CEB) says: “Kings favor those with righteous lips; they love words of integrity”.
Proverbs 16:13 in the ESV says it this way: “Righteous lips are the delight of a king, and he loves him who speaks what is right”. Notice that Kings, or those in authority appreciate integrity. They appreciate those who speak with honesty and what is right. Don’t allow anyone to deceive you into thinking that dishonesty and lying is the way to go. It might get you by in the short-run, but in the long-run, you will be found out and it can lead you to ruin. Be the one who walks in integrity, and even if it costs you in the short-run, God will vindicate you in the long-run. Always remember, Jesus is the TRUTH, so walk in truth and in integrity. You will be loved by the King!
It’s vital that we catch the powerful truth that God is a loving Father. If we don’t receive that in our hearts, we will always struggle with guilt, shame, condemnation and fear. The enemy of our souls uses fear, doubt and condemnation to make us feel like God is angry at us and wants to punish us. Yet, it is the enemy that want to destroy us. God loved us so much that He sent His only begotten Son to die on the cross to save us and to adopt us into His family. Luke 12:32 says: “Do not fear, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom”. Did you just read that? It is His pleasure! He rejoices to see us as part of His family. He loves to converse with us and walk with us. He loves when we relate to Him as our Father. He is the one who taught us to call Him Father. His Kingdom is awesome! In His Kingdom, there is healing (Matthew 4:23). The poor in spirit are blessed in His Kingdom (Matthew 5:3). The persecuted are blessed in His Kingdom (Matthew 5:10). His Kingdom belongs to those who obey His commandments (Matthew 5:19). His will is done in His Kingdom (Matthew 6:10). All of our needs are met in His Kingdom (Matthew 6:33). Spirits of evil are cast out when His Kingdom is present.(Matthew 12:28). In Christ, we are now kingdom citizens, and all things are new. We do not have to struggle any more. We are part of His Kingdom and its His good pleasure to give us the Kingdom.
