“If you don’t find your identity and security in what Christ has accomplished for you on the cross, you will try to hide your insecurities behind your hypocrisies.”- Mark Batterson
As Mark Batterson concludes Chapter 14 of All In, he states that Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego did not defend themselves against King Nebuchadnezzar’s order. They simply chose to act on their convictions, trusting God for the outcome. Not only did they refuse to bow down to what was wrong, they stood up for what was right!
Pastor Batterson cautions, however, that we shouldn’t be too quick to point a finger at Nebuchadnezzar. While we don’t erect humongous statues to ourselves, we do get upset when people don’t bow down to our wishes. Although we don’t throw anyone into a fiery furnace, we burn with anger when we don’t get our way. Manipulation truly is exhausting. The author notes:
“There is a fine line between Thy kingdom come and my kingdom come. If you cross the line, your relationship with God is self-serving. You aren’t serving God. You are using God.”
Those moments when we take a stand define our integrity. Integrity is an all-or-nothing proposition. Pastor Batterson points out that integrity is the only thing that doesn’t depreciate over time. A godly reputation takes a long time to build. It must be celebrated and protected at all cost.
Today’s question: How have you been intentional in fostering godly integrity during your desert, transitional time? Please share.
Tomorrow’s blog: “Supernatural self-control”
