Years ago I remember watching a show like 20/20 where a hidden camera was following a man around. He had claimed that he had back problems and was unable to work, and had filed for workman’s comp. The bosses had doubted the validity of his word, so they had reporters secretly follow the man and video his actions in a typical day. What did they see? They video taped him doing heavy lifting, backbreaking digging and work only allotted to people who have strength in their back! He was caught and reported! No more handouts for that fella!
What if someone followed us around to see if what we say matches up with what we do? What would they see? In Psalm 26, we read that the psalmist (probably David), stated,
Judge me, O Lord; for I have walked in mine integrity: I have trusted also in the Lord; therefore I shall not slide.
2 Examine me, O Lord, and prove me; try my reins and my heart.
3 For thy lovingkindness is before mine eyes: and I have walked in thy truth.
David knew he had lived out the integrity of his heart, and he even asked God to test him and see! He knew he wasn’t perfect, but that he had walked in God’s ways with integrity (a sound, unimpaired, or perfect condition).
I see two ways in this chapter that David was able to keep his unscathed character:
- He guarded his close friendships. I have not sat with vain persons, neither will I go in with dissemblers. I have hated the congregation of evil doers; and will not sit with the wicked. I will wash mine hands in innocency: so will I compass thine altar, O Lord.
He was careful with the kind of friends with whom he made constant communion and fellowship. He knew that bad company corrupts good morals. So, he kept close friends with those who loved God.
Wise women will walk with godly people who will point her closer to the Lord. Her friends will challenge her and make her a better believer. We can’t think that if we spend consistent time with those who don’t really love the Lord, that it won’t effect us.
- He guarded His time in God’s house. Lord, I have loved the habitation of thy house, and the place where thine honour dwelleth.
Where else will we be convicted, challenged, encouraged, strengthened and led to worship but in God’s house? David knew he needed to go – he must go. If we are sluggish in our heart about attending worship services, we will be sluggish in our integrity. If we attend only half-heartedly, we are the ones that will suffer. David loved the times of worship!
When we spend time in worship and the hearing of God’s Word, we will take it with us through the week. It will guide the things we do, the places we go, and the company we keep. We need to be in God’s house. Our character needs to be sharpened in God’s house!
If the cameras were secretly filming you, what would they find this week? Are you walking with integrity and character that shows in your walk and your worship? If not, realize that your integrity could be at stake. By God’s grace may we each be able to say as David repeats at the end of the chapter –
But as for me, I will walk in mine integrity
With love,
RefreshHer 