5 Minute Devotional– Commitment as a form of integrity. Are you wearing your belt of truth?

Last month during our FIT TO PRAISE™ session, we had a powerful devotional that made us reflect on whether or not we were carrying commitment issues into our faith and ultimately other areas in our life. Whether you are a believer or not, we believe that this applies directly to our lives, but especially as it relates to our faith and our wellness journey: commitment and integrity. Specifically, how our commitment to our word and our actions is not just a matter of being responsible, but a matter of spiritual warfare.

Now, we live in a world where commitment is lost. It has become easy to make promises and then put them off — whether it’s to God, our friends, to our family, or even to ourselves. We say things like, “I’ll start that workout tomorrow,” or, “I’ll eat healthier starting Monday,” or even, “I’ll call that person I promised to help.” And at the moment, we feel good about it. We feel motivated. But what happens when tomorrow comes, and we don’t follow through? Or when that next week rolls around, and we push things off yet again?

In hopes of understanding why is it that we do this, I asked ChatGPT why does it think that this lack of commitment and integrity has become such a new norm in our society today and it gave me these three points: 

1. Instant Gratification Culture - With technology at our fingertips, we’ve grown accustomed to getting what we want immediately. Whether it’s food delivery, social media updates, or streaming movies, we no longer have to wait or commit to anything for very long. When things don’t happen instantly, or when we face any obstacle, the temptation to put it off for “tomorrow” becomes stronger. People are more likely to break promises or delay tasks because they don’t want to deal with the discomfort of waiting, working, or being patient.

2. Reluctance to Face Responsibility - In a world that emphasizes individual freedom and personal desires, there's less of a push to take on responsibility, especially when it’s difficult. With the rise of "self-care" and prioritizing individual needs over collective responsibility, the idea of accountability—particularly to others—has become less of a priority.

3. Lack of Consequences - Finally, in many cases, there is a lack of real consequences for not following through. In previous generations, breaking commitments often had direct, tangible consequences, whether it was losing trust, damaging relationships, or facing personal repercussions. Today, the immediate consequences of not keeping our word may not always be so obvious.

What we often don’t realize is that those small moments of putting things off, of not keeping our word, or wanting to take the easy way out of things, are more than just minor missteps. When we break commitment to God & ourselves, we are not just violating our own intentions — we are also letting down a deeper, spiritual protection we are meant to wear in our lives. We are taking off the belt of truth — a symbol of integrity in Scripture — that holds everything else together. Ephesians 6:14 tells us:

This “belt of truth” is a vital part of the armor of God. In a spiritual sense, integrity and truthfulness are the foundation that holds everything else together. Think about it: when we wear that belt of truth — when we keep our word, when we honor our commitments regardless of the circumstances — we are secure. Our health, our relationships, our minds, and our goals are protected. But when we fail to wear this belt — when we allow ourselves to think it’s no big deal to break our promises — we become exposed to the schemes of the enemy.

You see, integrity is not just a nice quality to have. It’s a weapon. It’s part of the armor that protects us from the attacks that come against our purpose and our well-being. When we start excusing ourselves from keeping our word, we open the door to other problems. The enemy comes in through those cracks, sowing seeds of laziness, confusion, and doubt. Suddenly, things that required only self-discipline now require deep prayer and fasting to break free from.

Next time you think, “I’ll just go tomorrow,” or “It’s fine, they’ll understand I changed my mind again,” consider this: those small compromises leave space for the spirit of laziness to take root in your life. It might seem harmless at first, but it becomes a foothold for bigger things. What started as a little disobedience can grow into something much harder to deal with — something that requires deliverance, something that steals your joy, your health, and your future.

When we break our word, when we give in to laziness or selfish desires, we are not just breaking our commitments — we are breaking trust with God. We are disobeying a command that has consequences. When we choose to let integrity slip away, we are leaving ourselves unprotected. And like a soldier who has no armor, we become vulnerable to the attacks of the enemy.

But here's the good news: integrity is something we can grow in. It’s a fruit of the Spirit that we can cultivate through discipline, through prayer, and through action. But it also requires us to take responsibility. When we say we’re going to do something, we need to follow through — not just because it benefits us in the natural realm, but because it strengthens our spiritual life, too.

Consider this: When you wake up tomorrow and feel tempted to put off the healthy habits or commitments you've made, remember: you're not just delaying an action, you're undoing the spiritual protection that comes with integrity. You’re loosening the belt of truth. And the enemy, knowing that you’re exposed, will look for any opportunity to attack.

So how do we avoid this?

It starts by recognizing the seriousness of what we say and do. If we say we’re going to work out, we do it. If we say we’re going to take a step toward healing, we make it happen. And if we say we’re going to help someone, we do it — not because it's easy, but because it reflects our integrity, and it reflects the character of God in us.

Friends, I want to encourage you: Integrity is not optional. It’s fundamental. It’s part of the spiritual armor that we must wear daily to protect ourselves against the lies, distractions, and deceit of the enemy. Every time you keep your word, every time you stay committed to what you've promised — even when it's hard — you’re strengthening yourself. You’re building spiritual muscle that will allow you to stand firm in other areas of life.

So next time you’re tempted to say, “I’ll just go tomorrow,” or “It’s not a big deal if I change my mind,” remember: integrity matters. Keep your word, and you’ll keep yourself protected. Wear that belt of truth tightly, and you’ll be ready to face the challenges ahead. And in doing so, you’ll not only see the physical benefits of your commitments but the spiritual strength that comes from living in truth.

Let’s pray:

Lord, we thank You for the gift of integrity, and we ask that You help us to walk in it every day. Teach us to honor our word and to wear the belt of truth, so that we may be protected from the enemy’s schemes. Help us to remain disciplined and committed to the purposes You’ve placed in our hearts. Strengthen us, Lord, to stay true to our promises, not just to others, but to You. In Jesus' name, Amen.