Refined Integrity

The refining pot is for silver and the furnace for gold, but the Eternal tests hearts. Proverbs 17:3

During the holidays, broken airplanes, cancellations because of weather, miscommunications about rides to the hotel, and snoring roommates are not just annoying incidents in our daily lives. They are opportunities for us to inventory the stock of our integrity. They are opportunities to see what values and beliefs really drive our hearts. We can see, our companions can see, and God can see how much integrity we have. In fact, God is orchestrating events to achieve this very purpose. Directly or indirectly God has tested the hearts of every one of the heroes of the faith, even Jesus—especially Jesus. Every time we encounter a difficulty or a detour, regardless of how trivial, we have a chance to respond in a way that displays whether or not we are confident that God will supply the grace we need to act honorably and lovingly. He wants to see, and wants us to see, if we will bristle and bark and abuse those around us, or if we will seek his wisdom while we work on a remedy with patience and grace. Job knew this and said, “God knows the way I take; when he has tried me, I shall come forth as gold.” David knew God was doing something similar, which caused him to organize his life accordingly: “Since I know, O my God, that you try the heart and delight in uprightness, I, in the integrity of my heart, have willingly worshiped you.”

Vindicate me, O Yahweh, for I have integrity, and I trust in you without wavering. Examine me, try me and test my mind and my heart. For your extravagant kindness is before me, and I walk in your faithfulness. Amen.