I will look with favor on the faithful in the land, so that they may live with me; whoever walks in the way that is blameless shall minister to me. No one who practices deceit shall remain in my house; no one who utters lies shall continue in my presence.
✙ Ps 101:6-7
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In writing about verse 6, Calvin said, that "the greater part of kings, indeed, passing over the good and the upright, or, which is worse, driving them away from them, purposely seek to have as servants those who are like themselves, and who may prove fit tools for their tyranny." And of verse 7: "When the chief counsellors of kings and other intimate acquaintances who have gained possession of their ears, are deceitful and crafty, this becomes the source of all corruptions; for by their example they encourage others in evil, lifting up as it were the banner of licentiousness."
So I'm tempted once again to apply this teaching to a corrupt government or greedy corporate interests. But sometimes they're intended for the man in the mirror. Rulers may be liars, but so may laborers... and so may pastors. All of us like to surround ourselves with people who agree with us... the problem is, what if I'm wrong and have no meaningful contact with the truth? The person of integrity must keep an open mind, and be exposed to many different ideas. And the reward for integrity here is not riches or health, but life in God's presence and life in God's service.
Just before Jesus prayed for his disciples' unity, he prayed, "Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth. As you have sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world" [John 17:17-18]. May Christ's prayer be answered in my life, and the lives of all his followers in the world.
So I'm tempted once again to apply this teaching to a corrupt government or greedy corporate interests. But sometimes they're intended for the man in the mirror. Rulers may be liars, but so may laborers... and so may pastors. All of us like to surround ourselves with people who agree with us... the problem is, what if I'm wrong and have no meaningful contact with the truth? The person of integrity must keep an open mind, and be exposed to many different ideas. And the reward for integrity here is not riches or health, but life in God's presence and life in God's service.
Just before Jesus prayed for his disciples' unity, he prayed, "Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth. As you have sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world" [John 17:17-18]. May Christ's prayer be answered in my life, and the lives of all his followers in the world.
As I criticize the powerful for their greed, help me to learn the same lessons that I expect them to learn. Forgive my own self-deceptions and keep me true to my word, yes, but more importantly, true to yours; in the Name of the Word made flesh, even Jesus Christ my Lord, who taught me to pray: Our Father...
