27835737_lHey, check this out! “Joyful are people of integrity, who follow the instructions of the Lord. Joyful are those who obey his laws and search for him with all of their hearts.” This is from Psalm 119:1-2 (NLT). Now chew on those words for a moment. Did you know that when you search for Him with all of your heart and press to obey and follow what He desires, that you are becoming more and more of a woman of integrity AND this brings joy unspeakable in your life?

This is so amazing, and I know it to be true! Integrity goes a long way for me, because I want to be a woman that not only God can trust, but also a woman whom my husband, friends, family, and beyond can trust as well. The term itself means to be honest, trustworthy, and pure. So when you have integrity, people can rely on you, and know that they can trust that you’ll either get the job done or that you are a woman of your word and THE WORD.

It’s also about character, which is normally revealed on the outside. But it’s an inward quality as well. At least that’s where it starts. It’s like coming to that place where you know in your heart that you need to do the right thing, especially when it comes down to others who your decision could affect. At that point, you have to make a choice. And no one else knows, except you and God, but it’s up to you to make that right decision. And if you choose the correct thing, then that my sister…is integrity and you’ll have inexpressible joy.

On the other hand, if you choose to do what you want to do over the Holy Spirit’s divine direction, then you risk staining your integrity and experiencing a lack of joy. Get it? It’s all about following God. Philippians 2:13 tells us, “For God is working in you, giving you the desire to obey him and the power to do what pleases him.” (NLT) So you can make the right choices with Him. The only thing is that you just have to follow and obey.

*Here’s a quick test of integrity from my life this week…

I had a test the other day when I had on some cute jean shorts, but I knew in the butt area that these shorts were a little snug on me. Now, my shirt was long enough, but it really didn’t do much justice. It was still questionable. So lo and behold, as I struggled mentally with getting out of my car as is, the Holy Spirit quickened me to put on the light sweater that I had in the trunk of my car that provided more coverage. Now, in my mind I’m thinking, “It’s hot! It’s mid-summer.” So as I got out of my car, I started walking towards the store, but then the Holy Spirit gently reminded me again about that sweater. So at that point, I had to make a choice. Do I walk back to the car to get it or go about my day? What do you think I did?

I hope you guessed it right! I went back to the car. YAY! Praise God! But do you know why? Well, one is because I love the Lord and I didn’t want to quench the Spirit (1 Thessalonians 5:19 says, “Do not stifle the Holy Spirit.” NLT), but secondly, I didn’t want to cause anyone to stumble (lust). So because I’ve got curves, I needed to put my flesh under subjection and just do the right thing. Plus, the Bible instructs us as women to be modestly dressed (See 1 Timothy 2:9).

That was a test of my integrity. But after I made the right choice (Praise God!), I was able to go on about my day with peace and amazing joy! I didn’t have to worry about if someone would be looking at my butt all day, while feeling self-conscious! So that Scripture really came to life! I love it when God does that.

*Now I’m not saying that you have to wear sweaters and cover-ups all the time, but I do need to tell you that if you are wearing something that might be questionable (whether it’s a top that’s too revealing with your cleavage exposed or tight jeans or whatever), consider the fact that you are a Christian woman and that God is calling you to dress modestly, especially if you are a minister of the gospel.

I have to mention that God wants us to live blameless, holy lives as Christians here on earth. First Thessalonians 5:23-24 tells us so, “Now may the God of peace make you holy in every way, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless until the day when our Lord Jesus Christ comes again. God, who calls you, is faithful; he will do this.” (NLT) Thank God we’re not alone in this process. The Lord gave us the Holy Spirit to help us to accomplish this.

Listen. In a nutshell, integrity is all about being honest about who you are, where you are on the inside, and what your next move will be (your choices). Will they be trustworthy? Will they be pure in heart, thoughts, and actions? And will you choose to obey and follow the instructions of the Lord as the opening Scripture stated to experience the delicious fruit of joy? Or will you follow your own way which leads to destruction not only for you, but for those around you. Because believe or not sis, people are watching our walk.

So with all of this being said, choose to be honest. Be pure. Be trustworthy. And become a woman of integrity. With God, it can be done!

Remember, Jesus is coming back soon! And those who endure unto the end shall be saved. So let’s be ready from the Inside Out!

~Courtnaye

*Thanks for reading! I hope and pray that you’ve been enlightened from this post. Feel absolutely free to leave a comment or for questions you can email me directly at insideoutwithcourtnaye@gmail.com, and I will respond promptly. Also, tune in every Monday at 7:30am for new posts! Don’t forget to “Like” my Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/InsideOutWCourtnaye) and share this blog with friends, family, co-workers, or your women’s group or ministry. I’d love to stay connected and help more women grow in the Lord! Thanks again and may God be with you!