What It Takes to Keep Things Real

In review of Psalm 119:9 it says, “How can a young person stay on the path of purity? By living according to your word” (Psalm 119:9 NIV).

The author of Psalm 119 tells us that God's word is true and wonderful. We should stay true to God and his word no matter how bad the world becomes, for obedience to God's laws is the only way to achieve real happiness.

In Psalm 119:9, the author asks how can a young person stay pure? He answer’s it by telling us to by obeying God’s word.

It seems our world is drowning in a sea of sexual images and sinful attractions. Everywhere I look I find temptations to fill my minds with thoughts of sexual relationships that God wouldn't approve. The writer asked a question that troubles us all: How do I stay pure in a contaminating environment? I cannot do this on my own, but must have a counsel and strength more dynamic than the tempting influences around me. Where can I find that strength and wisdom? By reading God's Word and doing what it says.

In a culture that is absolutely obsessed with appearance and image, how in the world do I keep it real when everybody else is faking it? They don’t have integrity. They’re scooting by and they’re skimming and they’re cheating. They’re not keeping their promises. How do I keep it real? There’s only one way. I’ve got to care more about God’s approval than the approval of other people. That’s the only way I’ll ever become a person of integrity. Because if I care about what God thinks, then I’m going to do the right thing. If I care more about what other people think, I’m often going to do the wrong thing. Psalm 119:9 says, “How can a young person stay on the path of purity? By living according to your word” (NIV).

The only way I’m going to know what God approves of and what he thinks of me is by reading the Bible. I must stay in God’s Word! If I don’t, I won’t have the strength and the stamina to live with integrity. If I don’t have a daily quiet time with God in the Word, if I miss it for even a few days, I notice it. If I don’t stay connected to God through his Word, I would not have the strength to live with integrity.

Living with integrity takes spiritual power, because what is right is often unpopular. Without His power I going to get tired of trying to do the right thing, being real and keeping the right motives. I need to be equipped and refreshed. I do this by reading and studying the Bible, God’s Word.

Bottom Line:

Stay on the path to purity by living according to God’s word.

What this means to me:

I can stay on the path and be pure by living according to the word of God.

In summary, to live a life pleasing to God and achieves real happiness requires that I stay true to God's word no matter how bad the world gets. The best way to stay true is to get the counsel and strength from His word and doing what it says. To have integrity and to keep it real requires that I care more about God's approval than the approval of others.

Thank you Father for the new perspective you’ve given me this past weekend. It’s came from the reminder of my studies on integrity from your perspective. I had choose as a life’s mission statement of “To live with Integrity, and make a difference in the lives of others.” The reminder of my mission is helping me to refocus my outlook on life. I do truly want to live a life of wholeness and Integrity. I want Christ at my center in everything I do. I strive to be the same person outside (reputation) as I am when no one is looking or can see. My mission in life and in my job is to serve and make a difference in the lives of others. In my work role I am to lead and build others and help bring in my experience and knowledge of solid and sound operations.

This morning Father I pray for your influence and wisdom to accomplish this mission. Please guide me in my relationships and help me to be loving and helpful. I pray this in your Son Jesus Christ name, Amen!