Happy Friday, Friends!
I hope and trust this post finds you all having a great day as a glorious new day begins to dawn in my Sweet Home Alabama! 😊
I have been reading a Bible Study titled, A Faith That Works When Life Doesn’t Part 2 by Rick Warren. I want to share an excerpt of what I read from Day 10 of the plan earlier this week.
“Many people know the Bible, but in order to be blessed by it, we need to do what it says.
You act on what you believe, meaning your behavior and attitudes are a reflection of what you think is true.”
He goes on to say…
“If what you say you believe doesn’t change how you live your life, then you probably don’t really believe it.”
Why are you shifting in your seat?! 😊 Speaks to the heart, doesn’t it?
I love the definition of integrity which states, “the quality or state of being complete or undivided.” So, does what we say we believe line up with what we actually do? Are we people of integrity or are we incomplete, divided?
Nobody can tell you or me what to believe and they certainly can’t make us believe anything. Here is the thing; we can all give the “Sunday School” or what we perceive to be the “right” answer to what we believe however, sooner or later, our actions will scream to the world what we believe. In seasons of peace and calm we can all fake it. When the storms of adversity and challenge come, however, we will all act on what we truly believe.
A few things immediately come to mind that I want to share…
When Damar Hamlin collapsed in Cincinnati, millions of people around the world dropped to their knees and they prayed fervently to God. No matter what they say, how they act, what they look like, where they live, they instantly stopped and prayed. There was no race, no religion, no political affiliation…there were just a bunch of people who believe in God and appealed to Him in their moment of despair. It is in our darkest moments that we find out what we really believe.
One of the most integrous people I ever met did not like many people, he did not believe he was here to serve anyone, and he didn’t believe it was important to be kind to others. Guess what he acted like? He acted like he didn’t like many people; I never saw him serve anyone, and he wasn’t kind. In the 3+ years I was around him, his words, actions, and deeds matched his beliefs 100% of the time…a man of great integrity! Oh, I get it… you don’t like it because you do not like what he believed. Let me ask you this; would you prefer this man or a person who said they believed something but didn’t live it? I will take the person of integrity – whether I agree with this person’s beliefs or not – all the time!
I have two beliefs I will share with you…I have stated them often. 1) I believe that every person has value, meaning, and purpose. And 2) I believe that I was placed on this earth to encourage, empower, and equip others to become the best they are capable of becoming. If I truly believe these things then I will always (my mind was blown the first time I heard this; always is measurable. Either you do or you don’t!!! Please think about it the next time you use the word “always.”) act in a manner consistent with these two beliefs. It shapes and informs how I treat everyone – not just the people like me – and it shapes and informs how I live my life every day – not just some days or the days I feel like it. I can’t separate my words and actions from what I truly believe, at least not on a consistent basis, and neither can you!
I simply want to encourage all of us on this beautiful new day to assess our words and actions – are they always lining up with what we say we believe? Here is something else I have learned; If what we do is inconsistent with what we truly believe, we will have incredible internal conflict…it will not feel good at the heart or gut level as we are violating our own spirit! If we say we believe something and act in a manner inconsistent with it, the relationship we have with others will suffer greatly. It is only when we walk fully in our integrity – our beliefs and actions in alignment – that there will be peace within and harmony with others. Let’s be people that walk fully in our integrity…ALWAYS! 😊
Here are a few quotes for you as I wrap up this Happy Friday…
“If you’re not acting on your beliefs, then they probably aren’t real.” – Glenn Greenwald
“Thoughts always reveal themselves in behavior.” – Unknown
“You always act in a manner consistent with your innermost beliefs and convictions.” – Brian Tracy
Please don’t hesitate to contact me if there is ever anything I can do for you or your family. I will always help you any way I can. You can reach me at kevin@whatwillyourinfluencebe.com.
Have a great day, a wonderful weekend, please cherish your precious families, and please stay well!
No comments:
Post a Comment