What It Means to Walk Blamelessly
Know: I will look with favor on the faithful in the land that they dwell with me; he who walks in the way that is blameless shall minister to me. (Psalm 101:6)
Read & Respond: Psalm 101, written by David, is all about integrity.
Speaking of integrity, I recently took my dog to the vet due sleeplessness (hers and subsequently mine). They gave her a prescription for a sleeping pill which didn’t work because the simple problem was she had reversed her nights and days. But they had given her a 30 day renewable dose. Being familiar with the medication, I thought “I could refill it after 30 days and keep it on hand for myself.” Let’s be honest: that’s a temptation toward illegal substance abuse. In different forms, such temptations face us daily.
1 Corinthians 10:13 says, “No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.” Psalm 101 addresses what we view with our eyes, what we say about others, arrogance, deceitfulness and more.
David understood that integrity starts with the heart but extends to the home, the workplace and the homeland. He also understood that actions have consequences.
[tweetthis]In God’s economy, good actions have good consequences too.[/tweetthis]
The very best reward is to get more of God, which is why Psalm 101:6 above says “He who walks in the way that is blameless shall minister to me.” To explain this phrase, The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges says this, “He is ever on the lookout for men of probity and integrity to be his companions and confidential ministers.” Are you in God’s confidence? What is involved in being in someone’s confidence? The answer to that question is what it means to dwell well.
Maybe you doubt your unseen labors at home and in the workplace go unnoticed. Though We ALL struggle in seeking the approval of man, this cheats us out of the opportunity to do DWELL on God. As His Scripture teach us, we can do all things as though working for the Lord (Colossians 3:23).
Or maybe you don’t think that upholding Godly standards makes a difference. But it makes a difference to God and to those watching your example at home and at work. David prays he will be careful to lead a blameless life, starting with a blameless heart which flows to blameless actions and reactions.
Who walks in the way that is blameless? We are all prone to sin and fall short of the glory of God, but we can walk sincerely and uprightly. God redeems us if we confess our sins, and He displays His glory through our lives. If we pursue Him despite our failures and sinful ways – like David – He will consider us blameless and we will minister to him. Let’s walk with integrity and get more of God.
Core Concept: Remember our God Most High looks with favor on the faithful.
Think About It:
- What comes to mind when you think of personal integrity? Who does sin affect?
- The psalmist David often displayed a lack of integrity. How did God restore Him? (Extra credit Q)
- Is there a way to avoid temptation? What does 1 Corinthians 10:13 say to do with temptation?
- If we do sin, how are we Christ-followers to get back to a position of blamelessness?
- What do Philippians 2:1-8 and Colossians 3:23-24 say about selfless service?
This Week’s Praise & Worship Prompts:
Day 1: Pray for Personal Integrity
Read Psalm 101 in its entirety and work on memorizing Psalm 101:6. David says he will take no part in what faithless people do in Psalm 101:3. Consider any faithless attitudes or behaviors in your own life and take time today to repent and enjoy God’s restoration.
Day 2: Pray for Extended Integrity
In Psalm 101:8 it says “Every morning I will put to silence all the wicked in the land.” What are some ways you can put to silence the wicked in your life? How can you pray for integrity in your heart, your home, your community, your workplace and the world?
Day 3: Be Full of Faith
Hebrews 11 is often called the “Hall of Faith.” In the chart below, list the person and for what act of faith they were commended. If these are unfamiliar stories to you, borrow a simple children’s Bible and read it cover to cover. Ask God to help you grow in active belief and faith. How can you pursue faithfulness?
Day 4: Know God’s Plan
Read Psalm 98, another psalm of David. In Psalm 98 what does David say about how the Lord has made His salvation known and revealed His righteousness to the nations? How can this motivate us to seek integrity from God?
Day 5: Worship the Lord in Song
In Psalm 98 we are encouraged to “shout for joy to the Lord, burst into jubilant song with music, make music to the Lord….” Write a poem, prayer or song that expresses themes of blamelessness, integrity, favor and joy. Sing a new (or favorite) song to the merciful yet righteous judge.
Talk About It: What is involved in being in someone’s confidence? How can your answer(s) help you draw near to God?
This week’s PDF available for download
All Scriptures are from the English Standard Version (ESV) unless otherwise noted.
Contributors: Chelsea Bastian, Claudia Duff, Muriel Gregory, Tonia Gutting, Hayley Haynes
Graphic Artist: Christie Esterline
Editor: Andrea Plotner
Copyright ©Planting Roots 2015
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