“Better” Part Three
Better With Jesus: Guarding Your Heart and Living With Integrity
Have you ever felt like life is pulling you in different directions? Like the world is constantly challenging your faith and values? The good news is that through Jesus, we can always strive to be better. Being in His presence, walking in integrity, and guarding our hearts are crucial steps in our journey of faith.
The Power of Being in God’s House
Attending church is more than just a routine—it’s a transformational experience. When we put Jesus first and stay connected to the local church, our lives improve. The Bible reminds us in Hebrews 10:25, "Let us not neglect meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another."
Being in the house of God makes us better. Worship, fellowship, and serving others in the church community bring spiritual growth and renewal. Whether it’s taking notes during a sermon, worshipping with passion, or watching online when out of town, prioritizing God’s presence shapes our lives for the better.
"Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it."
Guarding Your Heart: A Biblical Command
One of the most powerful lessons in faith is learning to guard our hearts. Proverbs 4:23 says, "Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it."
What does this mean? Imagine your heart as a wellspring, the source of everything you say, think, and do. If we allow negativity, fear, or bitterness to seep in, it affects our relationships, decisions, and spiritual well-being. Guarding our hearts means:
Protecting our minds from harmful influences.
Watching the words we speak.
Seeking God’s wisdom before making decisions.
Surrounding ourselves with uplifting and faith-filled people.
It’s easy to let offense, disappointment, or even past hurts build walls around our hearts. But rather than shutting people out, we should allow the Holy Spirit to guide us in discernment. Our faith grows when we let God determine who and what we allow into our lives.
The Power of Words: Speaking Life or Death
Words have incredible power. Proverbs 18:21 reminds us, "The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit."
Have you ever had a conversation in your head that never made it out of your mouth because the Holy Spirit held you back? That’s God guarding your heart and guiding your words. Before we speak in frustration or respond in anger, we should ask, "Will this bring growth or confrontation?"
When we allow God to shape our speech, our relationships flourish, our faith strengthens, and we walk in peace.
Avoiding Compromise: Living with Integrity
Compromise can be one of the greatest threats to our integrity. The small choices we make every day determine the course of our lives. It might start with something as seemingly insignificant as telling a white lie, bending the rules for personal gain, or making excuses for ungodly behavior.
Psalm 84:11 says, "The Lord bestows favor and honor; no good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless."
Walking in integrity brings God’s favor. But compromising our values, even in small ways, can block the blessings God has for us. Here are some common ways people compromise:
Cheating – Whether at work, school, or in relationships, dishonesty erodes trust.
Manipulating circumstances – Trying to control outcomes rather than trusting God.
Lying or exaggerating – Misrepresenting the truth for personal gain.
Stealing – Taking something that doesn’t belong to us, even if it seems insignificant.
The enemy loves to blur the lines between right and wrong, making compromise seem harmless. But every small step away from integrity leads us further from God’s best.
The Consequences of Compromise
When we compromise, we step outside of God’s favor. It can delay our destiny, weaken our testimony, and create obstacles to spiritual growth. If we want to walk in God’s blessings, we need to align our lives with His principles.
Ask yourself: Can God trust me? If He blesses you with more, will you steward it with integrity? If He promotes you, will you honor Him in that position?
The Bible warns us in Luke 16:10, "Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much."
Conviction vs. Guilt: The Holy Spirit’s Role
When we fall short, the enemy wants us to feel guilt and shame, pushing us away from God. But the Holy Spirit convicts us with love, gently guiding us back to righteousness.
King David, despite his failures, always returned to God with a repentant heart. His prayer in Psalm 51:10 should be our prayer as well: "Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me."
When we mess up, instead of hiding in shame, we should run to God in repentance. His grace is always available to restore us.
Recognizing Jesus in Our Everyday Lives
Many times, we are so caught up in our struggles that we fail to recognize Jesus walking alongside us. In Luke 24, two disciples were walking to Emmaus, discussing their disappointment over Jesus’ crucifixion. The resurrected Jesus joined them, but they didn’t recognize Him. It was only when He broke bread that their eyes were opened.
How often do we walk through life burdened by worries, not realizing that Jesus is right there with us? His presence is constant, even when we don’t see it.
Responding to God’s Presence
As we seek to grow in our faith, let’s not just go through the motions. God’s presence is here—every time we pray, every time we worship, every time we open His Word. But are we recognizing Him?
Let’s make room for Him to move in our lives by:
Spending time in prayer.
Worshiping with intentionality.
Removing distractions that keep us from hearing His voice.
Stepping into God’s Best
If you want to be better, it starts with prioritizing Jesus. He wants to transform you, grow you, and lead you into a life of purpose and fulfillment. Don’t settle for a compromised life—step into the fullness of what He has for you.
Philippians 4:13 says, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." You are better because of Him. Let’s strive to live with integrity, guard our hearts, and walk in God’s favor.
If you need prayer or want to deepen your faith journey, reach out to us at Cornerstone Church. You’re not alone—God is with you, and we are here to walk this journey with you.
