Look at me
Who would want to be a celebrity or a public figure? Your life is not your own. Everything you say and do is scrutinized. Even your history can be brought back up. Only this week in America, The New Your Times published an article stating that President Trump paid just $750 (£580) in federal income tax in 2016.
What most people dislike is when celebrities or public figures say one thing then act differently. Just think about the uproar over Dominic Cummings ‘trip up north’ a few months ago!
People want integrity, but sadly it’s often not seen in our celebrity hungry culture. However, when we think about characters on the Bible there is a difference.
Jesus was the very best example of this, but the Apostle Paul was a pretty good on too! Just look at what he wrote in his letter to the Christians in Philippi...
“Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me – put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.”
Paul told them not to look at just one, but four areas in his life: his teaching, what he delivered, what he said how he lived. Basically, the whole of his life! Then he said, copy me and if you do that then God will be with you!
Now that’s integrity. What was his secret? He was someone who encountered, had been transformed and lived each day following the Spirit of God!
Could the same be said of you? Good news, if God can do it for Paul, then he can sure do it for you and me too...
Also, why not check out our live stream service every Sunday at 10:30am, simply go to www.hopebasingstoke.org/livestream
Stay safe
God bless
Gary Bastin - Hope Community Church leader