Isn’t it funny how we can get so focused on certain phrases or words?
This morning I started reading Psalm 119 and couldn’t get past the first verse. How blessed are those whose way is blameless. Who walk in the law of the Lord.” (New American Standard Bible) Now, I have a reference by the word “blameless” which says, complete or having integrity. Then I looked the verse up in the NIV and the NLT. I was especially intrigued with the New Living Translation which says, “Joyful are people of integrity, who follow the instructions of the Lord.” Short and sweet and to the point.
It didn’t stop there, I then went to a very old dictionary, which are the best when you want to know the real meaning of a word. In my 1968 copyright dictionary, we find integrity under the word integer with a meaning of entire, whole, entire all pertaining to the math field. Interesting. Not being a math person, I continued to search. Down at the bottom of this word meaning is the word integrity, also a noun meaning the state of being entire or complete. Genuine. Honesty. Uprightness.
In a little newer dictionary copyrighted 1977, we find the word integrity as it’s own word meaning soundness, incorruptibility, and completeness. They show the synonym honesty as well.
With all that being said, this one verse reminds me of Psalm 1 telling us how blessed a person is that stays away from the counsel of the wicked, sinners and mockers. Our delight should be in the “law of the Lord” or perhaps we could just say that we find joy in the Word of God, especially when we takes steps to obey it.
Will we ever be blameless while on this earth? Probably not for all people sin. Can we walk according to the law of the Lord? Jesus came to show us a better way for no one can keep the Law but Jesus.
We can put our trust in Him. We can confess our sins and work daily to lead a better life with integrity. A genuine upright life that is full of honesty. We may fail daily but we ask God to forgive us and pick ourselves up by the bootstraps and strive to live a life of sound incorruptibility.
What would this world look like if more people made it a goal to live such a life? A life of honesty—that what you say would be true. Not only would those around you know that what you say is true but that it would honor God.
For we never take that pat on the back without giving the glory to God who is the One who has guided us along this way. And for what purpose? So that He can bless you!
Where do we get joy or feel blessed? By doing what the Bible directs us, one step at a time. You don’t just read the Bible and do it, it’s a process that will last a lifetime but what happiness it brings.
Read Psalm 119 with me and tell me what especially touched your heart.
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