This devotional is quite timely and thought-provoking. I hope it inspires
you.
May God bless,
Carl
my website -- http://www.nettally.com/saints/
my blog -- http://www.anniemayhem.com/cgi-bin/wordpress/
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Integrity 101
by Marvin Williams
READ: Psalm 101
I will behave wisely in a perfect way. . . . I will walk within my house
with a perfect heart. -Psalm 101:2
Officials in Philadelphia were astonished to receive a letter and payment
from a motorist who had been given a speeding ticket in 1954. John Gedge, an
English tourist, had been visiting the City of Brotherly Love when he was
cited for speeding. The penalty was $15, but Gedge forgot about the ticket
for almost 52 years until he discovered it in an old coat. "I thought, I've
got to pay it," said Gedge, 84, who now lives in a nursing home in East
Sussex. "Englishmen pay their debts. My conscience is clear."
This story reminded me of the psalmist David's commitment to integrity.
Although he made some terrible choices in his life, Psalm 101 declares his
resolve to live blamelessly. His integrity would begin in the privacy of his
own house (v.2) and extend to his choice of colleagues and friends (vv.6-7).
In sharp contrast to the corrupt lives of most kings of the ancient Near
East, David's integrity led him to respect the life of his sworn enemy, King
Saul (1 Sam. 24:4-6; 26:8-9).
As followers of Jesus, we are called to walk in integrity and to maintain a
clear conscience. When we honor our commitments to God and to others, we
will walk in fellowship with God. Our integrity will guide us (Prov. 11:3)
and help us walk securely (10:9).
Lord, cleanse my heart of all deceit
And teach me to be true;
Help me to have integrity
In all I say and do. -Sper
There is no better test of a man's integrity than his behavior when he is
wrong.
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