September 6 - Walk with Integrity

King David’s psalm is a declaration of his desire to live a life of integrity and to rule his kingdom blamelessly. He says, “I will ponder the way that is blameless. I will walk with integrity of heart within my house; I will not set before my eyes anything that is worthless.” This is the resolution that all of us must have in order to live a life pleasing to the Lord, thus inviting His presence: “Oh when will you come to me?” This is the first part of sanctification, to set apart oneself to God and His purpose by living a holy life.

The second part of sanctification is to leave the uncleanness of the world, separating oneself from sin and evil. As king and leader of the nation, David vowed to root out anything that was perverse, evil, slandering, pride, arrogant, deceitful, false and wicked. The king was to destroy all the wicked in the land and cut off all the evildoers from the city of the Lord. The cleansing of the kingdom would ensure the Lord’s presence and protection, opening the gate to God’s blessings and favor.

The issue of integrity was also on Paul’s heart as he gave instructions concerning Titus who had established a relationship of trust and affection with the Corinthian Christians. One year ago, he had organized the collection and was supposed to complete it in time. Now Paul was urging Titus to finish what he had started. Integrity was very much needed when Titus was handling the collection of funds in Corinth. So Paul commended Titus who earnestly cared for the situation and had volunteered himself. More than that, a brother who was famous for his preaching was going with him so Titus was not doing it by himself but under supervision. Then Titus also went with the endorsement of the churches and ministering together with Paul.

Even though it was an act of grace but as long as it was involving collected funds, there must be complete openness and integrity in its handling. Paul says, “We take this course so that no one should blame us about this generous gift that is ministered by us, for we aim at what is honorable not only in the Lord’s sight but also in the sight of man.” As many churches and servants of God have failed in the matter of integrity, especially in handling funds, this passage comes as a timely reminder that we must conduct ourselves properly in the sight of God and man.

Satan keeps on tempting us with his thoughts of wickedness, deceit and dishonesty. A little compromise here, a little mishandling there, a little cover up of mistakes made can all cause a great downfall. Are you honest in all your dealings? Are you bringing glory to God in the way that you conduct your affairs? Pray now and ask God for strength to do things with full integrity.