Psalm 15:1-2
O Lord, who shall sojourn in your tent? Who shall dwell on your holy hill? 2 He who walks blamelessly and does what is right and speaks truth in his heart.
Famous UCLA Head Coach, John Wooden, once said, “The true test of a man’s character is what he does when no one is watching.” 1 Samuel 16:7 teaches us that the Lord does not see as man sees. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart. A heart that is deceitful and vain can’t be near the Lord because it is not in unity with the character of God.
Being a person of integrity means you are honest and live by a set of unwavering principles. Integrity can be observed in outward living, moral uprightness, honesty, not gossiping, and being trustworthy. (Ps. 15:4), but it is the character of a person, forged in the unseen tranches, that is the foundation that allows a person to walk in integrity. God deals in the matters of the heart, and the person who seeks after heart change is the one gets to dwell in the presence of the Lord. We can fake the outward stuff, but the inward stuff is on full display before God.
John C. Maxwell in his book Developing the Leader Within You writes, “Having good character does not ensure success in life or leadership. But you can be sure that having poor character will eventually derail you personally and professionally.”
Do you want to know how true heart change takes place? Do you want to become a person of honor and upright character before the Lord?
Make it your life’s work to develop your character by drawing closer to the Lord each and every day. When no one is watching, and there is nothing to gain from others, pursue the Lord with your whole heart.
Begin your days with silence in God’s presence. Just listen for His voice. Then move to time in His Word and ask for the Holy Spirit’s guidance. After that you can begin a conversation (prayer) with God that will feel more like a dialogue. This daily pursuit may feel awkward at first, but over the course of time you will come to know Jesus in a new way. His character will be revealed to you, and when that happens, your character cannot stay the same.
Do you want to be a person of integrity with a truly holy character? Make it your daily habit to take the hand of Jesus and walk alongside Him.
Lord, you said in Your Word that anyone who comes after you must deny themselves, take up their cross, and follow you. I want to be like you. Mold me into a person of integrity and high character. Amen
Josh Huisman is the senior pastor of New Hope Community Church in Brentwood, TN.
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A Biblical View with Josh Huisman & Judd Granzow
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