How to Live with Integrity, Uprightness, and a Sound Mind: Navigating the Divine Gift of Choice
- Sister Janet K.
- Sep 25, 2024
- 2 min read
Down in the Gulf right now, there are a multitude of large jellyfish like these. This photo is just looking straight down off the dock . One thing that amazes me about so many of God’s creatures is how symmetrically constructed , shaped and colored they are. Each circle in the center of this jellyfish is identical in size. The petals on the tiniest flowers, the design on the butterfly wings, etc. always are in numerical arrangements “For God is not a God of disorder…”1 Cor. 14:33 He has specific purpose in all He creates.
I chose the verse from Psalm 25 because it describes the greatest difference between man and other creatures like the jellyfish. God gave man the ability to choose how to live a life not just drifting along with his circumstances.
Jellyfish are not actually a fish : they have no backbone. They also have no brain, no heart or blood. Their nervous system which is known as a nerve net is very simple and allows them to smell, detect light, and respond to other stimuli. Their life cycle is 3-6 months - born, grow, reproduce and die. Their reaction to danger or capturing prey is a sting that can cause great pain.
God gave man a heart, a mind, a backbone to stand tall , and a nervous system to innervate it all. He gave us the ability to choose between a life by reacting simply to stimuli around us or to live with integrity (wholeness) and uprightness ( with a spiritual backbone) with a sound mind. “For God has not given us a spirit of fear but of Holy Spirit power and of His unconditional love and of a self- disciplined sound mind.” 2 Timothy 1:7 And as the psalmist added, it is by our God given ability to trust in and wait on God in all circumstances that keeps us from drifting meaninglessly through life. Solomon wrote, “A gentle (with Controlled strength) tongue is a tree of life, but perverseness in it breaks the spirit.” Our reaction can sting and hurt or give life to those around us.
“The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, And He delights in his way.”
Psalms 37:23
“Show me Your ways, O Lord; Teach me Your paths. Lead me in Your truth and teach me, For You are the God of my salvation; On You I wait all the day.”
Psalms 25:4-5
Amen. 👆👆👆👆🙏🙏❤️
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