Friday, October 28th – A Life Of Integrity

He was a politician noted for his integrity. Although this description might be viewed by some as a contradiction in terms, it certainly was used often and correctly to describe US Congress- man Paul Henry. After the three term member of the House of Representatives lost a battle with brain cancer in 1993, political commentator David Broder said, “He was a model of what a public servant should be.” There was good reason for Paul Henry’s integrity. He was a Chris- tian who devoted his life and service to the Lord. In many ways his life mirrored the characteris- tics mentioned in Psalm 26.

The psalmist David said that he (i) walked in God’s truth, (ii) avoided sinful entanglements, and (iii) enjoyed worshiping God. In a similar way, Paul Henry (a) sought to live by biblical principles,(b) was on guard against the influence of those who were ungodly, and (c) regularly worshiped at his local church.

The integrity David wrote about and Paul Henry demonstrated should be a goal for us as believers in Jesus. As we grow more and more like the One we worship, our lives will be marked by truth and right thinking. Each day we should ask God to help us to live a life of integrity.

Our integrity is not absolute nor inherent, it is a work of grace in us, and is marred by human infirmity; we must, therefore, resort to the redeeming blood and to the throne of mercy, confessing that though we are saints among men, we must still bow as sinners before God. Apparently people who love God love to bask in His Spirit’s presence and glory. Integrity is the mark of true character.