Christian Intergrity
Psalm 15:1
Lord, who shall abide in thy tabernacle? who shall dwell in thy holy hill?
I’ve heard it said that integrity is when you do the right thing when no one is looking. This is true in the church as well. Can we be saved and lack integrity? Yes, many Christian struggle with issues because they lack self-discipline; because they lack the understanding that the matters of our heart are most important. I accepted Christ at 18. At the time, I didn’t have much support as my family was either still lost or new Christians themselves. I wasn’t grounded and I fell away, but that’s a story for another day. I rededicated my life as a young mother because NOTHING was more important than doing everything in my power to be sure my child accepted Christ and made Heaven his home. But again, I fell away in later years. Why? Because I lacked integrity. Outwardly I was doing all the right things. I went to church, I served in church, I read my Bible. I wasn’t doing any of the “wrong” things. I didn’t drink, do drugs, steal, cheat, etc. But my heart was hard. I let unforgiveness and disappointment build up without taking them to the Lord. My actions may have been right, but my heart was not. Doing the right things outwardly are important. We are a witness to a lost and dying world. We also need to make sure our heart stays repentant and teachable and loving. We need to not just outwardly be obedient, but inwardly be obedient as well. We need to be the person described in Psalm 15.
Lord, who shall abide in thy tabernacle? who shall dwell in thy holy hill?
He that walketh uprightly, and worketh righteousness, and speaketh the truth in his heart.
He that backbiteth not with his tongue, nor doeth evil to his neighbour, nor taketh up a reproach against his neighbour.
In whose eyes a vile person is contemned; but he honoureth them that fear the Lord. He that sweareth to his own hurt, and changeth not.
He that putteth not out his money to usury, nor taketh reward against the innocent. He that doeth these things shall never be moved.