Psalm 101:1-8
David tells the Lord that he will consider and pursue a blameless life and that he will lead a life of integrity as he starts off Psalm 101 (vs. 2). He then goes on and talks about some of the ways he will accomplish these goals--not looking at bad or worthless things, not associating with evil things or lying people, seeking out other faithful and blameless people as friends.
So how about a little exercise today? Take a couple of minutes and consider what pursuing a blameless life and leading a life of integrity looks like for you. Then, write down (like David did) some of the things you won't do as well as some things you will to help you accomplish these goals. And, of course, let us know how you come out! Tami W.
I think King David would have had a much harder time with this endeavour than we (Christians) of today. Under the new covenant of Jesus' salvation, we have the INDWELLING of the Holy Spirit to call upon and rely upon. We also have the assurance and confidence of forgiveness in the sacrifice that Jesus made for us with His own perfect life/blood. We have the Armour of God (Ephesians 6:11), and we have the testimony and instruction of the apostles - the New Testament - to exhort and advise us. King David didn't have all that!
Personally, I know that when I've tried to live this Christian life on my own, I have failed miserably and gone through CRUSHING deafeat and deep overwhelming discouragement .. but when I realized and ackowledged the Holy Spirit was/is living in me, by preparing each morning by praying to be clothed in the Holy Armour, and by relying on the forgiveness of my all-sufficient Redeemer and Saviour - Lord Jesus - I can make the efforts neccessary in HIS mighty strength. I can do nothing on my own without first asking for, and ackowledging the Holy Spirit within me.
I've discovered that what I take in is what I become. I pray as I put on the armour of God. When I put on the helmet of Salvation, which covers my head, I think of all the parts of my head that need protection .. I make a covenant with my eyes and my ears as to what I will look at or listen to, so that I nourish my inner man - soul/spirit - with spiritually healthy things. I ask for a guard to be set over the door of my mouth so that I will be careful how I speak. I ask for renewing of my mind so that I will be reminded to "capture every thought" and hold it up to the love of Christ. When I put on the breastplate I ask for my heart to be purified .. "Search my heart and know me, O Lord ... " In short, I personalize the whole process of putting on the armour, and think of the specific parts of my body and spirit which need protection (both physically AND spiritually). This also leads me to realize things I need to repent of, ask forgiveness for, and pray for help to change. I confess that I don't always do this EVERY day, but when I do it makes a HUGE and wonderful difference in my attitudes and behaviour for that day ..
Well, I may have gotten off topic a bit here, so I apologize for such a long comment ... but this is how I try to accomplish these goals for myself. Thank you for this opportunity to share my thoughts!
Transparency!Transparency!Transparency!That's my new favorite word.Everything done in the dark will be revealed by the Light.Living a life of integrity is living a life without shame,knowing the Lord sees and knows all helps direct my motives.