The First 900 Steps

I recently came across a quote by the late Aldous Huxley.

“If most of us remain ignorant of ourselves, it is because self-knowledge is painful and we prefer the pleasures of illusion.”

As a man of faith, I will not say that coming across this quote was coincidental.

You see, this is my 900^th offering since I responded to God’s leading in January 2010.

This was an opportunity to share my faith.

As importantly, God intended this as a means of self-reflection.

Huxley was correct in his assertion about the dangers of illusion.

Scripture also has a great deal to say about the importance of self-discovery.

Throughout this journey, I reminded myself that I am doing this as I believe God desires this of me.

Jeremiah 17:9 (NRSVue) - The heart is devious above all else; it is perverse—who can understand it? I the Lord test the mind and search the heart, to give to all according to their ways, according to the fruit of their doings.

I also had to remind myself that God is using this to change me from the inside.

Romans 12:2 (NRSVue) - Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of the mind, so that you may discern what is the will of God—what is good and acceptable and perfect.

Before I write, I must remind myself that I am a sinner and that I need Christ.

I am not better than any other in the same need.

Matthew 7:3-5 (NRSVue) - Why do you see the speck in your neighbor’s eye but do not notice the log in your own eye? Or how can you say to your neighbor, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ while the log is in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your neighbor’s eye.

In retrospect, I am not the same man I was when I started this journey 16 years ago.

Although I have made progress, I am still very much a work in progress.

Philippians 3:12 (NRSVue) - Not that I have already obtained this or have already reached the goal, but I press on to lay hold of that for which Christ has laid hold of me.

I am also in a different place than I was when I began this journey.

I am frequently asked about my current profession.

I am also asked about my current ministries.

I can state that I am where God currently wants me to be.

I am also doing what He wants me to do.

I am also aware that he is using my current circumstances to prepare me for what lies ahead,

Romans 8:28 (NRSVue) - We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose.

If you have taken the time to read this far, I thank you.

Thank you for accompanying me on this journey.

Just remember that you have your own journey and that the Lord wants to be part of it.

 

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at otherbrotherjim.blogspot.com on Friday, June 26, 2026.

I will be back here on Friday, July 3, 2026

Integrity

I recently attended another funeral service.

This service was for a cousin.

Although family, I always looked up to him as a man.

When his obituary was posted, his many admirable qualities were mentioned.

But one word jumped off the page and caused me to think.

That word was ‘integrity.’

Sadly, it is not a word we hear much anymore.

Personally, I have used the word many times in day-to-day affairs with others.

But what is integrity, and is this a biblical trait?

Merriam-Webster defines integrity as “firm adherence to a code of especially moral or artistic values.”

My perhaps oversimplification is “be as good as your word.”

If you make a promise, keep it.

If you say you are going to do something, do it.

But what does scripture say about integrity?

Proverbs 11:3 (NRSVue) - The integrity of the upright guides them, but the crookedness of the treacherous destroys them.

There are many other proverbs.

But what does the New Testament have to say?

2 Corinthians 8:21 (NRSVue) - for we are setting our minds on what is right not only before the Lord but also before the people.

What did Christ have to say about integrity?

The Beatitudes provide this answer.

Matthew 5:8 (NRSVue) - “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.

Integrity is essential to following Jesus.

But unlike other godly characteristics, the results of integrity develop over time,

Characteristics such as love, patience, and kindness are immediately evident.

The fruits of integrity develop over time and have a bearing on our relationship with God and with others.

These relationships take a long time to build.

They can be damaged in no time at all.

That is why integrity is so important and why scripture stresses this fact repeatedly.

My cousin had this quality and God made certain I observed it during our time together.

I am indebted to both.

 

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at otherbrotherjim.blogspot.com on Friday, June 12, 2026.

I will be back here on Friday, June 19, 2026