By Phiwa Langeni | published on Mar 27, 2021

All of God lives fully in Christ (even when Christ was on earth). And in him you have a full and true life. – Colossians 2:9-10a (ICB)

The word integrity has roots in the word integrate, which generally means to bring parts together into a whole. When we think of the word integrity, we sometimes default to the first definition given by our friends over at Merriam-Webster—“the quality of being honest and fair”—rather than the second definition in the same dictionary—“the state of being complete or whole.”

Living with integrity allows us to experience the peace and joy that emerge with overcoming dividedness in its many forms in our lives. It does not mean living without mistakes or bad decisions or struggles. It isn’t easy to live with integrity, especially when we come face-to-face with parts of ourselves that are disappointing or not quite what we’d like.

Over the last few weeks of Lenten listening, I’m convinced that wholeness is God’s desire for us. When we’re whole, we’re able to embrace and share the gifts we’re given. Each and every day is an opportunity to actively live into who God continues to create us to be.

We’re called to live with integrity, to bring forth all of who we are toward wholeness. So, let’s be honest and fair with ourselves and with each other. Let’s open up to how God is drawing us toward true integration within and among each self, attending to the divine presence embedded in every part of Creation.

Because to live a full life is to allow God to live fully in us.

Prayer
Deliver us from dividedness, internally and externally. Invite us fully into the beautiful struggle of living with integrity. Amen.

About the Author
The Rev. Phiwa Langeni is the Ambassador for Innovation & Engagement of the United Church of Christ. They are also the Founder of Salus Center, the only LGBTQ resource and community center in Lansing, MI.

Mark 11:1-11
The Message

Entering Jerusalem on a Colt

When they were nearing Jerusalem, at Bethphage and Bethany on Mount Olives, he sent off two of the disciples with instructions: “Go to the village across from you. As soon as you enter, you’ll find a colt tethered, one that has never yet been ridden. Untie it and bring it. If anyone asks, ‘What are you doing?’ say, ‘The Master needs him, and will return him right away.’”

They went and found a colt tied to a door at the street corner and untied it. Some of those standing there said, “What are you doing untying that colt?” The disciples replied exactly as Jesus had instructed them, and the people let them alone. They brought the colt to Jesus, spread their coats on it, and he mounted.

The people gave him a wonderful welcome, some throwing their coats on the street, others spreading out rushes they had cut in the fields. Running ahead and following after, they were calling out,

Hosanna!
Blessed is he who comes in God’s name!
Blessed the coming kingdom of our father David!
Hosanna in highest heaven!

He entered Jerusalem, then entered the Temple. He looked around, taking it all in. But by now it was late, so he went back to Bethany with the Twelve.

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