”The integrity of the upright guides them, but the crookedness of the treacherous destroys them” Proverbs 11.3 NET.
The people of God exalt the Name of Christ and none other, not even their own. They desire, of course, to have good influence and reputation among others, but they do not modify their teaching or actions in order to please others.
The people of God have a single “cause” ─ if you can call it that ─ to defend: the gospel of Christ. Because they have no other commitments, they are free to speak boldly about threats and assaults against the church of God, when necessary, and to encourage the saints to be faithful to the teaching of Christ.
The people of God focus on the truth of Christ, sound doctrine, right teaching, and with God’s help never welcome into their midst falsehood, hypocrisy, or lies. They avoid associating with groups who introduce false doctrine or practices that contradict Scripture. They even refuse to support those who speak well of sound doctrine but who extend the hand of fellowship to false teachers.
The people of God preach and teach that it is only through the simplicity of faith that we will be saved and be able to engage in work praised by the Lord. By simplicity is meant exclusivity in the service of the Lord (the single or simple eye, Matthew 6.22-23) and the refusal to go beyond what is written or to add anything to the Scriptures. They refuse to accept musical instruments in the worship of God, women elders, or prominent or leadership positions for women in assemblies, or entities that assume authority over the congregations and works that belong exclusively to them. They refuse to associate with or recommend groups that accept such teachings or make associations or agreements with them.
The people of God give thanks for the saints who are in close communion and who offer support, correction, advice, and encouragement in the work of Christ. They are are not alone in this work, nor do they desire to isolate themselves from the faithful brotherhood. They give thanks for participating in the continuity of the apostolic teaching.
The people of God seek transparency in all areas of life. This means they have nothing to hide. Where transparency is lacking, there is opportunity for ulterior motives, shadowy practices, and the exercise of oppressive authority.
The people of God value integrity in all areas and will not sacrifice it to support works or people who do not adhere to the biblical standard. There can be no integrity without truth, for it is the truth of God that makes them free. Integrity “means to be consistent and uncompromising, to adhere to a strict moral and ethical code, to be honest and truthful and accurate in one’s actions. A person with integrity acts in accord with what she says she believes; she is not a hypocrite” (Biblehub).
The people of God reject the values and wickedness of this world, even when it arrives in religious garb. They have a single Lord, a unified faith, serve the one true and living God. They purify themselves as Christ is pure. Their motive is to glorify God and exalt Christ in every way, at every moment, in word and deed, in their eternal hope.
These are the people of God.
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