The integrity of God (10/6/2023)
2 Timothy 2:11-13 "Here is a trustworthy saying: If we died with him, we will also live with him; if we endure, we will also reign with him. If we disown him, he will also disown us; if we are faithless, he remains faithful, for he cannot disown himself."
Our relationship with God is is conditioned on certain things we need to do so that God does His part. Paul states some of them here. We can only live with Him if we choose to die with Him. We can only reign with Him if we endure suffering for His sake. He remains faithful to Himself and His commitments even if we loose faith. Paul says this is a trustworthy saying we can rely on.
God cannot disown Himself. He doesn’t shift like changing shadows. He is faithful to what He says. The trials of faith, the changing desires, dreams, plans and attitudes of men may change over time. Some get overtaken by the pleasures of the world, driven by circumstances of life and change their minds even on God. But God remains Who He says He is regardless of our feelings. Men are driven by feelings.
The integrity of God is founded on His never changing character. David said one of the qualities of abiding in God’s presence is being true to our commitments. That’s integrity. Reliability is grossly lacking in many who profess God’s name because the character of God has not been fully formed in them. Let’s be people of integrity and so reflect the character of the God we claim to belong.
Psalm 15:1,4 "Lord, who may dwell in your sacred tent? Who may live on your holy mountain? … who keeps an oath even when it hurts, and does not change their mind…"
James 1:17 "Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows."
Shalom children of God