Ingredients for an Anointed LifeSample

Ingredient 2. Cinnamon - Integrity

Cinnamon comes from a tree that grows anywhere from 30-40 ft tall. The remarkable thing about the cinnamon tree is that it grows straight up with no curves. It is the bark and leaves from this tree that are used to create cinnamon.

The way this tree stands is a picture of integrity. It’s a question of whether you stand upright or crooked. Standing upright isn't about being self-righteous or looking down on people, but when we live with integrity and we stand for what is right the anointing is attracted to our life.

What does it mean to stand with integrity? It means you’re a person of your word. It means you’re a person of honor and you can be trusted. To stand with integrity also means to stand in truth, and not be involved in gossip or slander. Integrity requires us to say “no” to things that would pull us down. When we have integrity we're established. Just like the cinnamon tree is firmly rooted, with integrity, you also won’t wilt or waver at the first sign of pressure.

Standing with integrity also means standing on what God has said. That's why we must recognize we're not standing in our own righteousness. All of us have fallen short. Instead, we stand on the righteousness of Jesus.

Questions for reflection.

Have you ever considered how standing with integrity also means to stand against lies? What are the ways you can stand on God’s Word? What things do you need to avoid to maintain your integrity?