Have you ever had an idea that has seemed to take over your heart and mind? For the last month there has been something that has dominated my thoughts, overwhelmed my heart and pulsated in my spirit. That concept is found in a word—integration.
Integration is an important concept for the Christ-follower. Our western mindset tends to analyze things in life. We take things apart and separate them into different components. We compartementalize. An eastern mindset is more geared towards synthesis—the combining of things into a whole. Paul, who said he was the apostle to the gentiles (mostly western thinkers in his day), had to remind Christians to keep the whole in perspective:
But now indeed there are many members, yet one body. And the eye cannot say to the hand, “I have no need of you”; nor again the head to the feet, “I have no need of you.” (1 Cor. 12:20-21)
While this passage of Scripture is usually discussed in its specific context for the church, the general principle is integration. We must take all aspects of life in relation to the whole. We must not limit our Christianity to boxes within our lives when it is to touch every aspect of our lives.
James also had to respond to this need for integration. “Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.” (Jas. 2:17) Our faith should be seen in all we do. Paul also said, “For we walk by faith, not by sight.” (2 Cor. 5:7) Too often we walk through life having little awareness of having a walk of faith.
I want to encourage you towards integration in your lives. Synthesize your faith. Be aware of the Holy Spirit’s presence in you as temples of God. Be aware of God’s directive presence in your life both in speaking with Him and in the circumstances He leads you into.
Let’s see what integration can produce!
Journeying together with you,
Pastor Merril
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