Relational Integrity: A Marking of Spiritual Maturity

"It is absolutely clear that God has called you to a free life. Just make sure that you don't use this freedom as an excuse to do whatever you want to do and destroy your freedom. Rather, use your freedom to serve one another in love; that's how freedom grows." Galatians 5:13

I am seeking to be a spiritually mature Christian.  Many believers unfortunately never reach this place because they refuse to fully embrace ALL of God's truths and principles set forth in His love letter.  There is no greater area of disconnect than how the scripture commands us to treat others and the way we actually do.  I am striving to be reflective of God in all my ways, including my relationships with believers and unbelievers alike.  This is one of the greatest way we can impact others for God's kingdom.

The following is taken directly from the book “The 10 Best Decisions Singles Can Make”

All relationships are easier when they are genuine, and the greatest stealer of joy in life is a relationship in turmoil…I believe the main reason there is so much trauma in relationships is that people lack integrity.  They make verbal commitments but don’t’ have the resolve to follow through with them.  They say they will sacrifice but quickly decide it’s too hard and too much is being asked.  People convince others they are loyal and committed to the same goals, but then they manipulate circumstances to take over while they move others out of the way. People gossip when they should be friends.  They criticize when they should be supportive.  They lie when they should be honest.

As a result, most of us have stories of friendships, work relationships and church conflict that have surprised us and broken our hearts.  Being able to look yourself in the eye, knowing that you’ve treated people well, is much better…

Relationships can feel complicated at times, especially if the others person is not living in accord with how God would treat people.  Josh McDowell developed a simple way to help us all live with integrity in our relationships.  He put three question marks on a set of dog tags for his son and a heart formed out of three question marks on a necklace for his daughter.  What are the three questions marks for you, you ask? They are a remainder to ask three questions that maintain JOY in any and all relationships.

                                Does your decision or action show respect for Jesus?

                                Does your decision or action show respect for Others?

                                Does your decision or action show respect for Yourself?

We have seen that people who pause to ask these questions before they say or do things are better able to stay under the umbrella of God’s blessing.  Their friendships have fewer issues, their business network is more effective, and their influence on others is more trusted.

The 10 Best Decisions a Single Can Make is written by Bill and Pam Farrel