Topic: Does the Outside Match What’s Inside?[RICK WARREN Devotional 4 MARCH  2024]

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Does the Outside Match What’s Inside?

BY RICK WARREN — MARCH 4, 2024
FROM THE INVISIBLE WAR

“So stand ready, with truth as a belt tight around your waist.”

Ephesians 6:14 (GNT)

Integrity matters. The Bible says we’re in a war “against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world” (Ephesians 6:12 NIV). And we can’t battle those spiritual forces that threaten to derail our lives if we’re not living with integrity.

Essentially, we’re committed to taking the truth of God’s Word and applying it to all areas of our lives, including our moral, financial, and relational lives.

It’s why Paul tells us we need to put on the belt of truth before we go into the spiritual battles that are all around us. He says, “So stand ready, with truth as a belt tight around your waist” (Ephesians 6:14 GNT).

The belt of truth holds up everything. Without truth, your life will fall apart, and spiritual darkness will take over.

We put on our belt of truth by living with integrity. Integrity comes from the word “integer,” which means “unit of one.” Your life of integrity isn’t the pieces of the pie. It’s being the whole pie.

To live a life of integrity, you don’t just know the truth. You live it out. Like your belt, integrity gives you stability. It holds you together through tough times. It gives you strength.

Of course, living with integrity doesn’t mean always doing what’s right. If perfection were the standard for integrity, no one would have it. We all stumble at times.

To live with integrity, let people see on the outside what’s going on inside. It means what you see is what you get.

Hypocrisy is the great enemy of integrity. We practice hypocrisy when we know the truth and don’t do it. It’s when what we say isn’t the same as what we do.

And it’s dangerous. A lack of integrity in any area of your life will leave you vulnerable to Satan’s attacks. In fact, the moment you start segmenting your life into different pieces—your church life, family life, work life, etc.—you’ve lost your integrity. You’re not living the same in all areas of your life.

Does life seem overwhelming? Do you feel like darkness is winning the battle in your life? It always will if you’re living a double life.

Check your integrity. Put on the belt of truth so you can do what God’s Word teaches in all areas of your life, not just where and when it is most convenient.

Talk It Over

• In what areas of your life is it easier or more difficult to obey God’s Word?
• Why are you more vulnerable to Satan’s attacks when you segment your life?
• How can you find more freedom by living with integrity?

Where will you spend eternity?

Your sins separate you from God. And it is only God’s grace that allows you back into a right relationship with him.

The Bible says, “It is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9 NIV).

If you’re ready to make peace with your Creator, then pray this prayer:

“Dear Jesus, I don’t want my sin to separate me from you any longer. You have promised that if I believe in you, everything I’ve ever done wrong will be forgiven, I will learn the purpose of my life, and you will accept me into your eternal home in heaven one day.

“I confess my sin, and I believe you are my Savior. You have promised that if I confess my sin and trust you, I will be saved. I believe you when you say salvation comes by grace, through faith, and not by anything I do. I receive you into my life as my Lord. Today, I’m turning over every part of my life to your management.

“I want to live the way you created me to live and use the rest of my life to serve you instead of serving myself. I commit my life to you and ask you to save me and accept me into your family. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.”

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