PSALM 26

[Psa 26:1-12 NKJV] 1 [A Psalm] of David. Vindicate me, O LORD, For I have walked in my integrity. I have also trusted in the LORD; I shall not slip. 2 Examine me, O LORD, and prove me; Try my mind and my heart. 3 For Your lovingkindness [is] before my eyes, And I have walked in Your truth. 4 I have not sat with idolatrous mortals, Nor will I go in with hypocrites. 5 I have hated the assembly of evildoers, And will not sit with the wicked. 6 I will wash my hands in innocence; So I will go about Your altar, O LORD, 7 That I may proclaim with the voice of thanksgiving, And tell of all Your wondrous works. 8 LORD, I have loved the habitation of Your house, And the place where Your glory dwells. 9 Do not gather my soul with sinners, Nor my life with bloodthirsty men, 10 In whose hands [is] a sinister scheme, And whose right hand is full of bribes. 11 But as for me, I will walk in my integrity; Redeem me and be merciful to me. 12 My foot stands in an even place; In the congregations I will bless the LORD.

PSALM 26:1-11, NKJV

A LIFE OF INTEGRITY

When I was in college, there was a soda machine that had a broken part. If you put your money in and put your hand in to hold open a flap, you could get two soda’s for the price of one. I don’t know who first discovered the secret to the soda machine but it presented an ethical dilemma for all of us religion students down the hill. Do you take the extra soda as a blessing from God? Do you give it to someone else? Do you leave it for the vendor? Do you call a number on the machine and let someone know and risk upsetting your neighbors who were enjoying the deal? As we were debating the issue, one of the guys spoke up and said, “I’ll never sell my integrity for 50 cents” (the going rate for a can of soda back then!). That stuck with me.

I’m sure that there are lots of folks who were stealing 50 cent drinks that if they were given an opportunity to steal $50,000 would turn it down. But then again the person who steals $50,000 probably didn’t start out at $50,000. This is where integrity matters most, the small stuff. You can’t be a person of integrity in the big things only.

At this point in his life, David confesses his integrity. He leans on God and counts the blessings that integrity has brought to his life. He is careful with his friendships and those who influence him.

Of course we know the rest of the story. David takes a 50 cent peak at Bathsheba from his rooftop that leads him to bigger compromises and almost costs him his entire kingship before it’s all over! Integrity is one of those things that can be ruined in an instant and over an inconsequential matter.

PRAYER

Father, I so desperately want and need to be a man of integrity. For the sake of my family I need to walk in holiness. Examine my life for compromises. Establish holy friendships. Keep me from the desire to please others to the point that it would compromise my integrity. Let me speak the truth with love to those you have called me to serve. Let me not hold it back, but lovingly and persuasively share your grace. I want to walk with complete integrity before you. I pray that you keep me from temptation. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

I’m reading and blogging the Psalms Through The Summer. I’d love for you to join me. You can find out a little more here.