This week we explore two more priorities that I chose to develop in my walk with God and in leading my family. They are a love for honesty and excellence.
Honesty seems like a given. But it is an ongoing choice. Where it starts is being open and honest with God and with ourselves. We should be an open book with God. Then our openness and healthy boundaries with others will flow from that.
To be open with God requires trusting Him. And trusting Him is nurtured by receiving His love. When we know we are loved by God the desire to always please men diminishes.
Winkie Pratney says, “If you can get someone to be honest, they are 2/3 of the way to entering the Kingdom.” We have to start by admitting where we are at so we can get where we need to go.
Ask God, “Are there areas of my life where I’ve not been completely honest?” This is an integrity issue. And growing in being integral, being whole, is a key to walking in intimacy with God.
Excellence is being passionate, it is being wholehearted. It’s about living in such a way that if something is worth doing, it is worth doing well. This includes things like cleaning toilets and washing dishes. We are going to be all in. Excellence requires priorities. The word passion means being willing to suffer for something or someone. It means placing the appropriate value on something and living that way.
Are you willing to pay the price? Are you willing to do what it takes on your part to press in and see something happen? But this is not in our own strength. It starts with pressing into Jesus first and foremost, to find out what He is doing and joining Him in that.
This week ask the Holy Spirit, “What area do I need to grow in regarding honesty and excellence?” Then when He shows you, step out and go for it.
