Christmas with Integrity

Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but he who makes his ways crooked will be found out. Proverbs 10:9

 

How many Twitter and Facebook posts in the last few weeks have been declaring the posters’ demands to keep Christ in Christmas or stand with them as they say “Merry Christmas” rather than responding in kind to those who say “Happy Holidays”? Just for the record, I am all for both of these; you’ll get no argument from me.

But how many post these things as if they were of major importance to them but  rarely darken the doorway of the church or choose churches that do not preach the whole counsel of God (Acts 20:27)? Certainly there are many who are posting these things who are committed to Christ, living lives of integrity before God and using their social network presence to attempt to influence others for Christ. I applaud this crowd because it isn’t easy to stay out of the fray when unbelievers start tossing around a subject that simply distracts us from the Lord.

I have “friends” on Facebook who would not consider themselves “born again believers” in Jesus Christ – but they do consider themselves Christians.  For a long time I was like this, thinking born again Christians were legalistic, unkind, and bigoted people. Then I studied the Bible and discovered the real God – not the god of my own making who cared more about other people’s feelings than he did their salvation.

The God of the Bible calls us to love our neighbors.  To Him, it is loving to make us a bit uncomfortable with our sin in order to get our attention.  If “a bit” does not get our attention He may turn up the heat. At either of these points our integrity is tested. When the going gets hard, when other people are challenging our biblical stance on a current issue, or when we are openly rejected because of our faith (perhaps evidenced in not being invited to the parties we used to be because we aren’t considered “fun” any longer), we are being tested. Do we want to please God more than man?

Our integrity – or lack of it – is obvious in these times. Do we live as if we believe what we say we believe? As born again believers we have the power of the Holy Spirit to remind us, to strengthen us, and to give us the words to use to stand up for what God says is right – not what other people have decided ought to be right.

Those who consider themselves “Christian” but would never want to be grouped with the “born again believers” need to do as Peter has instructed in 2 Peter 1:10. He said, “Therefore, brothers, be all the more diligent to make your calling and election sure, for if you practice these qualities you will never fall.” “These qualities” mentioned earlier were faith, virtue, knowledge, self-control, steadfastness, godliness, and brotherly affection. Are your “calling and election” sure? Faith is at the head of the list for the test. Do you believe that the Word of God is trustworthy and true – all of it, Genesis through Revelation – no picking and choosing?

Jesus said  “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.” (John 3:3).

We can talk all we want about Christmas. We can leave the words about Christ in our conversation, but we cannot worship Him in spirit and truth without the Holy Spirit. If that sounds legalistic or “too” spiritual, then take the test. Is your faith in Jesus Christ, the God of the Bible, or in your own ability to keep Christ in Christmas.

Jesus came to save us from our sin. Lack of faith and earning salvation by works are sinful belief systems (Romans 11:20, Ephesians 2:8-10).

With integrity, are we willing to examine our own hearts to see if we are, indeed, born again to new life in Christ.  That is the way to have Christ in us and it makes is easy to keep Christ in our Christmas.