Integrity #2—Walking Integrity

Yahweh, who may sojourn in your tent? Who may settle down on the mountain of your holiness? Those who walk with integrity, who do what is right, and who speak faithfully from their hearts. Psalm 15:1–2

The psalmist’s three conditions for fellowship with our Creator may seem stringent at first glance. But they are actually quite reasonable. No other kind of person would enjoy spending any time with God because he fulfills all these conditions himself. This is the way Jesus lived, and he calls his disciples to the same way of living. Deceptive, depraved, dissemblers would be utterly uncomfortable in his presence, for they would have nothing in common with him. We walk with integrity when we live with absolutely loyal commitment to our Creator and Redeemer. The Lord wants people around him whose hearts are completely his, people who observe his work in the world and then wait patiently for him to demonstrate his wisdom and power again; for he himself finds full delight in who he is and what he does. Since God is the center of his own purposes in creation, he must be the center of our purposes, or we will not be able to abide in his presence. The One moving his people from the slums of self-centeredness into the palaces of his glory asks that we stay on the road with him, intent on reaching our destination, continually reminding ourselves of the goodness that awaits us.

Glorious King, grant me a clearer vision of the wonder and joy of the place where I can experience your holiness so I will not look back to the wretchedness of the “Sodom” I have left behind. Strengthen my heart along the way to your glory.