Psalm 26:1-8
“Vindicate me, O Lord, for I have walked in my integrity, and I have trusted in the Lord without wavering.” vs. 1
The psalmist has lived an exemplary life, full of integrity and faithfulness, and now he would like some recognition. There’s no reason to doubt his words. Even though there’s a lot of talk about sinners and sin in the world, there are also many people who live with integrity and decency. Some of us are blessed to have friends like this, kind and gentle people whose lives are beyond reproach…not surprisingly they show up regularly in our communities of faith. It may even be that this is how others see us! Certainly there’s nothing wrong with living this way and it’s even okay to feel good about how we have lived. We never have to feel bad about having integrity in a world where it has become increasingly rare. The danger comes when we begin to think that we have a special relationship with God because we’re so good at keeping rules and doing all the right things. Jesus addressed this problem in the familiar parable of the self-praising Pharisee and the mercy-seeking tax collector. The truth is that all of us–the good and the bad, the strong and the weak–stand in need of God’s grace and mercy. In the Kingdom of God, even sinners are known as saints!
Thought for the Day: How do I walk in integrity?
0 Comments