Integrity of Heart
I begin nearly every day of my life with a shower first thing in the morning and then choose what I’ll wear that day. I try to dress for the occasion. If it’s a normal work day – a branded shirt and casual slacks. I decided a long time ago before I get dressed physically that it’s important to dress up my heart first thing. I love hearing from the Lord as He builds out my heart. The more time I spend with Him, the more I know Him and I start acting more like Him in the different circumstances I will face each day.
Asaph pens a long and detailed psalm that contained quite a history lesson for the people of Israel. He concludes the psalm by telling his readers that God chose David for a reason. Check this out…
70 He chose David his servant
and took him from the sheep pens;
71 from tending the sheep he brought him
to be the shepherd of his people Jacob,
of Israel his inheritance.
72 And David shepherded them with integrity of heart;
with skillful hands he led them. (Psalm 78:70-72 NIV)
I was moved by that last verse describing David’s leadership -” his integrity of heart”. The heart can be hidden most days from most people. I believe that the Lord looks to my heart way more intensely and consistently that He looks at any action I take. The Lord is way more concerned with my heart that my behavior. I believe that ALL BEHAVIOR comes from the heart. My good choices and bad choices all come from my heart. I believe that there is a constant battle going on inside my heart for control. When I made Jesus Lord of my life, the battle for my heart started and is continuing even today. I want to equip my heart with the Word of God so that my heart capacity for God can expand and grow. I want to be known as a leader with integrity. I give permission for any Christ follower to challenge me or to check my heart if they see some behavior that lacks integrity. I believe integrity begins in my heart and displays itself in my everyday life. It’s not a one-time action – it is a lifestyle.
Today and every day, I surrender my heart to the Lord. He alone can build my heart to reflect His.
Pressing On!
Dwayne