Integrity

I googled a definition for the word "integrity" (because that's what you do to find a definition these days) and came across three different definitions. The first is "an adherence to moral and ethical principles; soundness of moral character; honesty." The second, "a sound, unimpaired, or perfect condition." The third definition, and my favorite is "the state of being whole, entire, or undiminished."

This month in our Sunday services we are talking about spiritual disciplines. The sermon series is entitled "26.2 Next Steps." This is in reference to the length of and the training for a full marathon. While preparing the music and other elements for our worship gatherings I have been including songs and passages of scripture on running and discipline. As the worship leader, my desire is not only to help facilitate an atmosphere of genuine community worship to God, but to support the theme of pastor's message. My hope is that our doors would be filled with people leaving our worship services (at the conclusion of the service of course:)) feeling encouraged, enlightened, and challenged. Well...it worked. I have been challenged.


I have never liked the stage. In fact, I might say I hate to be on stage. When I was little I used to participate (I was forced) in talent competitions. Who would force an innocent little huge boy onto a stage in front of a million people at our mid sized church in Moscow Idaho to sing "Our God is an Awesome God" and play his trumpet on the 2nd verse and bridge??? Surely my loving parents would never do something like that! It was probably my great Aunt, you know, the one with the huge glasses that always pinches your cheeks way too hard and makes you give her "SUGAR"?!? Ya, it had to be her. Anyway, I really hate to be on stage. When I have to be on stage in a competitive setting my knees knock and I get dry in the mouth and my hands get cold and clammy. When I am on a stage leading in worship my entire countenance changes. I feel as though I am in a state of being whole, entire, or undiminished.


So, how were you challenged Trevor?


Fantastic question. I'm so glad you asked. Well, pastor has been talking about spiritual disciplines and one of the analogies is training for a marathon. I don't think anyone would argue with me if I said it is impossible to run a full marathon under 3 and 1/2 hours without some intensive training. You may not run 26.2 miles every weekend but you certainly can't get away with 5 minutes on a treadmill two times a month and expect to make it very far.


How can I think I am spiritually disciplined just because I go to church Sunday morning, I do some service planning throughout the week, I maybe read an occasional excerpt from a devotional, and I pray before meals? When I am on stage leading in the music portion of our worship services I am honestly and completely genuine. But that is only one aspect of my life. The title of my entire blog is "Life=Worship" and I truly believe that. Worship is giving something worth and whether or not we choose to realize this fact, we are, every moment of every day, giving worth to something or someone. This sermon series is making me ask some tough questions.

Is playing angry birds on my iphone helping me become more like Christ?
Is watching 7 episodes of Man vs. Wild strengthening my relationship with God?
Will I gain deep wisdom and knowledge about the life of Jesus by beating 007 Goldeneye for wii in expert mode?

I think we all know the answers to those questions. I'm not going to say that all of those things are evil. I'll let my wife do that. What I am saying is that I make time for those things and sometimes those things are ok. If I have a free second of the day I can't wait to try and get three stars on level 12-1 in angry birds. What we would it be like if I couldn't wait to finish 2nd John because of the amazing insight I am receiving? What if the guys got together and instead of talking about who is going to win the super bowl we discussed how to be better husbands and what the bible has to say about that? Instead of giving worth to trivial pursuits, what if I forced myself to be spiritually disciplined?  I'll bet that discipline would turn into a passion.

The third of the ten commandments says, "You shall not misuse the name of the LORD your God, for the LORD will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses his name." Deuteronomy 5:11. Many people understand that passage as referring to speech. When I was younger I used to think that. It didn't matter if you were a Christian or not, if you said "gosh dangit"but in the rated R form that meant you just took the Lord's name in vain. Through reading and conversations with my dad I have come to a different understanding. This commandment really has to do with integrity and honesty. Be who you say you are. If you proclaim to be a Christian then you are taking on the name of Christ. If you don't strive to live like Christ then you are taking His name in vain. Websters defines vain as having no meaning or likelihood of fulfillment. How can I be Christlike if I do not know about Christ and more importantly if I DO NOT KNOW HIM?


Now that I think about it, it was my parents who pushed me to do those competitions, to play the piano and the trumpet, and to sing in front of people even though it was out of my comfort zone. I'm so glad they did because now that the competitive setting has changed to one of worship, that discipline has become a passion for me. My challenge is to bring that passion into every aspect of my life.

Well, at least one person is getting something from those Sunday morning services:)