The Beneficial Value and Power of Spiritual Integrity

Jan 26

Jan 26 The Beneficial Value and Power of Spiritual Integrity

Devos and Studies, Psalms Devos_Studies, God's Word, Character, Integrity, Personal Faith, Trust, Truth

Spiritual Integrity

How can we move forward in life in the midst of confusion? What will enable us to stand strong in the face of opposition? How do we maintain hope when surrounded by darkness?

Spiritual integrity. Spiritual integrity goes beyond moral goodness and is beneficial and valuable for everyday life.

Integrity can be defined as—incorruptibility or righteousness, soundness and honesty, and a sense of completeness and wholeness. Spiritual integrity incorporates all these elements.

King David gives us a clear example of spiritual integrity with his declarations in Psalm 26.

Scripture

By David.
Judge me favorably, O Lord, because I have walked with integrity and I have trusted you without wavering.
Examine me, O Lord, and test me. Look closely into my heart and mind.
I see your mercy in front of me. I walk in the light of your truth.
I did not sit with liars, and I will not be found among hypocrites.
I have hated the mob of evildoers and will not sit with wicked people.
I will wash my hands in innocence. I will walk around your altar, O Lord,
so that I may loudly sing a hymn of thanksgiving and tell about all your miracles. [vss 1-7]
O Lord, I love the house where you live, the place where your glory dwells.
Do not sweep away my soul along with hardened sinners or my life along with bloodthirsty people.
Evil schemes are in their hands. Their right hands are full of bribes.
But I walk with integrity.
Rescue me, and have pity on me.
My feet stand on level ground.
I will praise the Lord with the choirs in worship. [vss 8-12]
(Psalm 26:1-12 GW) [Context– Psalm 26]

Reflections and Insights

The Lord said David was a man after His own heart, in spite of his moral failings (1 Samuel 13:14). For all his faults in life, he can’t be faulted when it comes to his trust in God.

Moral integrity is valuable. But it’s not the most valuable integrity to have. Spiritual integrity is greater. Why? Because it relies on the Lord’s nature and favor rather than ours.

We can see spiritual integrity in David’s declaration in verse 1—”…I have trusted you without wavering.”

David’s honesty is revealed in his request of God in verse 2—”Examine me, O Lord, and test me. Look closely into my heart and mind.”

Then David declares what he will and won’t do in the middle portion of this psalm (verses 3-7). These declarations are echoed in other psalms, especially in Psalms 1.

David’s requests of the Lord are simple and straightforward. He asks the Lord to deliver him and keep him from being swept away by others in their darkness.

Finally, David commits himself to be faithful to the Lord and remain in fellowship with God’s people. This is good advice for all of us who trust in the Lord. It also gives us an example of a person who pursues spiritual integrity.

How about you? Are standing firmly on level ground with the Lord?

Digging deeper to Make it personal...

Review the Scriptures above as you consider the following questions

What does David say about the Lord in this psalm?
What does the David say about those who don’t trust in the Lord?
What does David say about himself—what he will and won’t do?
Is your trust in your own integrity or in the Lord?
Do you have David’s confidence in the Lord?
If you don’t—Are you willing to pursue the Lord and trust in Him more than anything else?
Are you willing to ask God what needs to change in your life so you can “stand on level ground” with the Lord and in everyday life?