But he answered, “It is written, “‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” Matt. 4:4
“ For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the basic principles of the oracles of God. You need milk, not solid food, for everyone who lives on milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, since he is a child. But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil. Hebrews 5:12-14
Had a recent conversation with a group of young adults. The subject of God came up in the middle of our talk (always surprised, and never taken for granted). Some of the people indicated that they were not religious. Others indicated they were into spirituality. When they asked for my view, I replied I was neither religious, nor spiritual. Instead, I am a faith-integrator.
From there, the questions and comments became fast paced. What do you mean by faith-integration? Which faith? What is the difference between the three?
Slowly we open the conversation into one of my favorite topics. Walking with the Creator God in everyday life.
Yes, I am not religious. For me religion is man’s attempt to pacify their God. Now religion is helpful to keep one disciplined and acknowledging the existence of a God. But religion in the 21st century is an institution built to keep its operation going. Most people who are religious have the form but lack the power of God in their life (2 Tim. 3:5). Yet I give them kudos. It is an attempt to find purpose with the Almighty. That is a step in the right direction.
When it comes to spirituality, the question is which spirit? There are many spirits in the world. Some are good and others are evil. How do you decide which spirit to follow? Does your spirit give you access to the supernatural? Does it have favorable influence on yourself and others? What type of relationship do you have between your soul and the spirit you follow? Spirituality is a step in the right direction. But falls short due to the lack of specifics and commitment.
So why am I a faith-integrator? Because I choose to integrate the Biblical God’s ways into all my daily relationships and tasks. It is intertwining the physical with the spiritual. When one comes to have a relationship with the Triune God, one gains entrance into the throne room of heaven. You recognize your position within God’s Kingdom as HIS child. You realize God’s purpose for your life. You find meaning in everything you do aligning your micro plans with HIS macro plan.
With that knowledge and understanding comes wisdom. One also learns to place their trust and hope in their heavenly Father. They know their Savior intervenes on their behalf. Though circumstances may not always workout as planned, they learn from the ordeal. They know God is good. With Christ the center core of every area of their life, they have confidence. They know everything will eventually work out for the good. Though they may initially fail, they learn from the event, and grow. Their aim is to conduct themselves with Kingdom parameters. They are learning to walk with their King and mentor. The primary goal is to allow the Holy Spirit to produce the fruit of God’s character within them. The physical outcome is secondary.
Their relationships are Christ-centered. In the home, at work, or in the community, they serve and add value to other people’s lives. They want all people to come to know who their God IS. Not only with words, but through the fruit of their attitude and behavior.
They integrate their faith within the everyday routines of life. They pray constantly. They first seek how the Holy Spirit is working with others and then find ways to support HIM.
Jesus Christ is the center of their life. From the center, they have a relationship with HIS Father. From the center, they have access to the Holy Spirit. From the center, they have a common bond with other saints who are likewise walking with the Triune God.
Faith-integrators live in the presence of Jesus in every avenue of their life. They are the same person at home and at the office. They are transparent in their conversations. They speak the truth with love. They speak the truth into power. They speak the truth even when it hurts. They represent Jesus Christ as HIS ambassador of HIS Kingdom to others.
They worship their God not only within the faith community, but every day of the week. Their work is their ministry and worship. They are there to help the people they meet. The services or products they produce are to add value into the lives of others. They colonize their workspace under the authority and love of Jesus Christ.
Faith is the belief and trust in the God who created everything. HE revealed Himself in Jesus Christ. HE is working HIS plan for the adoption of humanity into the Triune God circle. Faith-integrators accept their responsibility within the family of God and respond accordingly. They serve and expand God’s government wherever they go. They start at home. They serve in Church. They expand HIS Kingdom in their business. They volunteer in their community.
They want all people to come to know their King, Savior, and Redeemer. They are God’s light in a dark world. They are faith-integrators. Yes, I choose to be one. I hope you do too.
Rooting For You in Christ!
Dr. Mike
Faith-Integrator, Encourager, Scribbler
“We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives,” (Colossians 1:9)
Books By Dr. Mike:
- Power Up With Jesus – Aspirations Rooted in Jesus Christ!
- The Adventurous Journey of Transformation in Christ
- Overflowing Prayers Rooted in Jesus Christ v1 & v2
- Dancing With God: A Life-Giving Worldview
- Great Business Emulates a Good God
- Stay Free…Avoid Worldly Traps
- Simply The Messenger
- Unequally Married
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