A conversation with Fr Josiah Trenham on “Integrity” and “Being a Man of Your Word” – centered on the Orthodox Christian faith.
As a father of three sons and an Orthodox Christian, I know that the most important measure of my success in fatherhood depends on my ability to lead my sons to Christ. I know that my actions speak far louder than my words, so thus being a man of integrity will determine my success.
I would like to understand better what St Paul says in Romans 7: “For what I am doing, I do not understand. For what I will do, that I do not practice; but what I hate, that I do.” And especially how I am to respond in the face of that – what are the sources of my own duplicity, twisted intentions, and darkened heart, how do I become more aware of these things in everyday life, and what am I to do about it.
In this conversation, I particularly ask, what is the reason that I am unable to recognize, even less control my inability to do what I say I want to do? And how do I handle my anger in a way that can bring me and my family closer to God.
Timestamps:
0:00 – Intro
1:58 – The topic of Integrity in Jesus Christ
4:44 – St Paul as a model of human integrity
11:17 – Christian Hypocrisy
13:50 – Fake vulnerability vs true vulnerability in Christ
19:36 – On the wickedness of judging others
25:05 – The danger of anger
28:34 – What we should be angry about?
30:14 – Harnessing anger for courage
34:30 – St Moses the Black on prioritising your Life in Christ
38:35 – How to learn to see the Lord’s providence in your life
40:33 – Seeking Christ earnestly, with integrity
42:59 – Are you thrilled about participating in Divine Service?
45:04 – Seek First the Kingdom of God
48:18 – Male friendships for integrity