FAITH CAPSULE: Steadfastness and undivided in one’s belief defines integrity.

Job 1, 2:1-10,

David recorded, “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me away from Your presence, and do not take Your Holy Spirit from me.” (Psalm 51:10-11) Steadfastness is the key word here. Every believer that is filled with the spirit of God will need to be steadfast and undivided in the spirit to remain or maintain the presence of God. Steadfastness and undivided in one’s belief defines integrity. The word of God states, “The integrity of the upright will guide them…” (Proverbs 11:3) The life of Job is one that describes and deliver the understanding of how integrity is a character that guides in the face of sever adversity and prevent one from violating God. Job stands out as one that God declared as a man of integrity (steadfast and undivided). It is written, “Then the LORD said to Satan, “Have you considered My servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, one who fears God and shuns evil? And still he holds fast to his integrity, although you incited Me against him, to destroy him without cause.” (Job 2:3) Job’s integrity was the secret of being guided from failing God during Satan’s assault on him. The assault on Job was not enough to derail Job from his walk with the Lord. From the first assault to the second, and throughout his life, it was clear that Job was a man who would not digress from integrity. From the period of wellness to the time of severe affliction Job, maintained steadfastness and undivided service unto God. The Bible describes him like no any other character stating, “There was a man in the land of Uz, whose name was Job; and that man was blameless and upright, and one who feared God and shunned evil.”(Job 1:1) Job received the devastating news about the loss of his property and the deaths of his children on the same day, yet he did not withdraw to complain or be angry with God, It is written, “Then Job arose, tore his robe, and shaved his head; and he fell to the ground and worshiped.”(Job 1:20) As if the first assault was not enough, Satan struck the second time with boils from the soles of his feet to the crown of his head. To add more to Job’s adversity, the wife also despised him saying, “…Do you still hold fast to your integrity? Curse God and die!” It is clear that Job’s integrity kept him in the presence of God. Obviously, maintaining integrity will no doubt cause a believer to regain all that the enemy has stolen.

Prayer for today: Ask God to create in you a clean heart and to renew a steadfast spirit within you.