A King’s Resolve and Pledge
BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “I will be careful to live a blameless life…I will lead a life of integrity…My daily task will be to ferret out the wicked and free the city of the Lord from their grip.” Psalm 101:2,8 NLT
This psalm of David arrested my attention. He opens with a focus on the Lord and his commitment to praise the Lord. The Lord is the greatest model for rule through “love” for God and “justice” for the people. Those two traits serve any leader well, especially a ruler of a nation.
I shared Psalm 101 recently with some elected officials. The group included a County Commissioner, the County Sheriff and the County Treasurer. I challenged them to view it, as I did when I read it, as a commitment of a leader before the people. What if the media were asking David or a current President or elected official a series of these types of questions. Here are David’s responses according to Psalm 101….
What can we expect as far as your personal conduct in office? “I will be careful to live a blameless life [and wait for the Lord to help me] I will lead a life of integrity in my own home. I will refuse to look at anything vile and vulgar.” (Psalm 101:2,3 NLT)
How will you view those who don’t live up to your standards of integrity? “I hate all who deal crookedly; I will have nothing to do with them. I will reject perverse ideas and stay away from every evil. I will not tolerate people who slander their neighbors. I will not endure conceit and pride.” (Psalm 101:3-5 NLT)
What kind of people will be in your administration? “I will search for faithful people to be my companions. Only those who are above reproach will be allowed to serve me. I will not allow deceivers to serve in my house, and liars will not stay in my presence.” (Psalm 101:6,7 NLT)
What will be the focus of your efforts? “My daily task will be to ferret out the wicked and free the city of the Lord from their grip.” (Psalm 101:8 NLT)
Prayer for today…. Lord, Give us leaders of integrity and commitment to values that will promote your blessings for all. Also, allow that resolve to be in each of our lives as we serve you and honor You as Lord and King of our life.