A Kingdom Mentality with Integrity by Julius Sims

“A Kingdom Mentality with Integrity” by Julius Sims

1 Kings 9: 4, 5
You must serve me with integrity and sincerity, just as your father David did. Do everything I commanded and obey my rules and regulations. Then I will allow your dynasty to rule over Israel permanently, just as I promised your father David, ‘You will not fail to have a successor on the throne of Israel.

The Forethought

With careful reading, coupled with even a small amount of divine enlightenment, one can easily perceive that God’s requirements and expectations from Solomon could produce valuable effects long after Solomon’s tenure. If Solomon’s lifestyle would honor God’s expectations throughout his tenure of living, God in turn would set Solomon’s dynasty in order. In short, God would commit Himself to support Solomon’s present life and bless Israel’s future, if Solomon’s dedicated service of loyalty, integrity, and commitment would become a rigorous cost worthy of payment.

Incidentally, it has been a common phenomenon throughout the ages of mankind for an all-powerful, eternal, boundless, and sovereign God to purposely work [at the same time] both the beginnings and endings of people whose lives were loyal to His divine requirements. “Living out loud” a progressing Kingdom lifestyle because of a Kingdom mentality requires God’s grace and our unwavering commitment in integrity. Today, we deeply appreciate our God who is truly Alpha and Omega. He is the all-knowing God that has this spiritual panoramic view from eternity that features His plans simultaneously in the beginnings and endings of all things (Isa. 46:9-10).

Psalm 25:21
Let integrity and uprightness preserve me, for I wait for You.

Kingdom citizens always endeavoring to reduce self-centeredness in serving God’s will; constantly striving to adhere to biblical/spiritual obligations; and remaining dedicated in accepting God’s requirements can be a rigorous cost worth paying in honoring the Christ who lives in us (Gal. 2:20).

Acts 20:24
But I do not consider my life of any account as dear to myself, so that I may finish my course and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify solemnly of the gospel of the grace of God.

Integrity Matters

Divine directives or themes that emerge from the historical narratives of the Old Testament, followed by the teachings of Jesus and apostolic exhortations in the New Testament will showcase God’s intent or plans for His people during all of life’s unexpected encounters, colorful seasons, temporary setbacks, and challenging conditions. Moreover, regarding His Kingdom citizens, I am convinced that God would be pleased if His people developed a securely fixed character that glorifies His love; yearn for an unconquerable godly spirit; benefit from biblically induced measures of courage; constantly ask for spiritual wisdom, and exemplify a strong faith in tough times. A spiritual lifestyle of this magnitude is the results of a Kingdom mentality. Such attributes could easily describe the lives of men like Daniel, women like Rahab, and church leaders like Paul. In addition, these prevailing attributes truly depict a portrait of our Messiah!

In short, I am referring to Kingdom citizen that have developed GRIT. A person of GRIT makes daily sacrifices to maintain a purpose-driven lifestyle authorized by God’s approval. A person of GRIT will persevere to do what is right in God eyes, though their hearts/feelings have quit. Our God is very much interested in the integrity/soundness/honor from His people that will bring Him glory and richly benefit the practical lives of believers.

I will share a short rendition of what Kingdom citizens of may look today when they have inteGRITy.

G– Those with a daily Grind— a daily sacrifice to provide a devotional time set aside with God alone {to “hear”, to “see” & respond}; daily operating within the “paths of rightness” under all conditions, circumstances, and with all kinds of folks; daily works hard and is self motivated to please and honor the Lord (Ps. 31:23; Pro. 14:23; Col. 1:10; Luke 16:10)

R– Those who Regulate (control or monitors) ⸺ their emotions, attitudes, & feelings; what we don’t control will control us; unmanaged emotions, toxic attitudes, and feelings running wild hinders healthy relationships (Pro. 12:25; Deut. 31:8; Pro. 25:28). Our emotions, attitudes, and feelings are not saved.

I– Always Investigates— constantly reflecting what God had previously said or previously declared to us; investigating what we previously heard becomes at times more important than looking for a new message. Always provide room in your mind to allow positive flashbacks about God’s interventions and promises (Prov. 3:3, 4; Isa. 44:8; John 14:26; 1 Chron. 16:12).

T– Remain Teachable— always learning is the corner stone for a maturing Christian. All disciples must be life-long learners (Ps. 25:5; Matt.18: 2, 3; Prov. 18:15; Pro.9:9). “It is better to know some of the questions than know all the answers” (James Thurber).

Julius Sims serves as senior pastor of the Word of Life Christian Church, located in north St. Louis city. His wife Cathy serves in church leadership and oversees the ministry of dance. They are ministry son and daughter of Dr. Mark Hanby.