April 6, Integrity

Today’s reading: Psalms 26-30

“Test me, Lord, and try me, examine my heart and my mind;
for I have always been mindful of your unfailing love
 and have lived in reliance on your faithfulness”
- Psalm 26:2-3.

David prayed and asked the Lord to scrutinize his mind and heart to make sure it was in compliance with what God required. David was making sure his integrity was intact — that he was being who he claimed to be and not just a talker. Talk is cheap and some believe if they are sincere when they say something then they have done what God wanted, even if they don’t follow through. That was not good enough for David and it should not be for you either. Peter and the disciples did this very thing when they said to Jesus, “But Peter declared, ‘Even if I have to die with you, I will never disown you.’ And all the other disciples said the same” (Matthew 26:35). A few hours later, they did indeed betray the Lord in spite of their bold declaration. Are you walking in integrity? Do you have the goods to back up what you say you are and promise you will do? Where are you allowing sincerity and good intentions to override your need to actually follow through?