Hey there! I'm Lizelle Oreño, assistant literature ministries coordinator here at the Southern California Conference. If you've been keeping up with us, we’ve been sharing our conference's mission, vision and values, and today I'll be talking about a core value we embrace, entitled, “Integrity with Transparency.”
This is the description: “We value and recognize the transforming power of God’s word in our lives as we pursue wholeness in our character. We will not be bought or sold, because we are sold out for Christ.”
When I think about integrity, what comes to mind is having a good character, being honest and especially doing what is right even when no one is around. As Christians, we are called to live with righteousness and faithfulness, whether other people are around or not. The reason why one would want to live a life this way is because it brings internal unity when you live in the way God calls you to be, communicated through His Word. Romans 12:2 says, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”
Living a life of integrity with transparency shows to others that you are clearly a representative of Jesus, not only during the times where it counts, but even when it doesn’t count. It means being like Christ not just every time you go to church, or for us in the conference, but especially during the most difficult trials and situations of your life. It brings internal unity because you won't be playing two people at once, not having two identities to put on, but one that is consistent and same all throughout.
I remember a youth mentor of mine at church once told us, “Just because everyone else is doing it, that doesn’t make it right.” It stood out to me even when I was 12 years old, because every time I went to school and all the things that were shared in media were totally different from what God was calling me to be, I had to decide which path I valued the most in my life.
How do you decide what is right and wrong? What is your moral compass? For Christians, we turn to the Bible to help us navigate our choices, whether big or small.
What's cool is that my department utilizes literature to spark an interest in the Bible and help others get acquainted with their Creator.
Sparking an interest in the Word Himself, the very guide that helps us to understand His love and to love. The literature that we share is like a match that strikes fire. Just as much as we want to live a life of integrity, we are called to encourage others, too, to give God a chance and, by God’s grace, to live their lives for Him. Living a life of integrity, I believe is part of what Jesus meant to live a life — life more abundant — as found in John 10:10. Abundant life refers to life in its abounding fullness of joy and strength for wholeness of character.
There once was this young Atheist man who had an encounter with a Christian and was gifted this small book, Happiness for Life, also known as Steps to Christ, and that little book changed his life completely! He went from a life of gambling to studying the Bible as his new pastime. Because of the influence of this book, he became one of my teachers who taught prophecy classes in my Bible college and is continuing his ministry in teaching. A tiny book that made a huge impact. This is what the power of these books can do. It can lead them to Jesus and change lives.
How about you? Are you tired of living a double life where two identities clash? The Bible has the answer for you to find your true identity in Christ, one that you can embrace.
Maybe you want to learn about the Bible’s transforming power in your life and how you can start living a life of integrity. Check out our department to know more about God and get involved with our different ministry projects.
Thanks for tuning in! Don’t forget to like and subscribe, and we’ll see you again in the next video! Blessings to you all.
