Living With Integrity Of Heart - How to Live as a Disciple of Christ

“Who may ascend the mountain of the Lord? Who may stand in his holy place? The one who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not trust in an idol or swear by a false god.” (Psalm 24:3-4, NIV)

In order to guard a close walk with the Lord, I knew and understood the need to protect my heart attitude and mind. Therefore, I put an end to watching television and movies and committed to carefully choose who I keep company with and what I read. At the early stages of cell phone use and the introduction of texts, I felt a caution to be in control and to protect my heart. I made the decision to stay off social media in order to limit the voices I hear and the content I interact with. This cost is worth the benefits.

The Lord sets a high standard for His disciples. Psalm 15:1-4 states,

“Who may live on your holy mountain?
The one whose walk is blameless,
who does what is righteous,
who speaks the truth from their heart;
whose tongue utters no slander,
who does no wrong to a neighbor,
and casts no slur on others;
who despises a vile person
but honors those who fear the LORD.”

To have integrity of heart is to despise what is evil. A pure heart despises a vile person and honors those who fear the Lord. Such people do not waver nor take bribes against the innocent. They do not take advantage of others. They do not withhold good. They do not envy or strife.

These are the people who therefore remain steadfast, like trees planted by streams of water, yielding fruit in season. Their delight is in the counsel of the Lord and His precepts. They meditate on them day and night.

The Lord blesses the dwelling of the righteous, giving them favor. They inherit honor and will never be disgraced, for in the presence of the Lord, in the beauty of His holiness, they receive good precepts. And, His heart holds fast to His words. He gets continued insight and gains wisdom.

This is a high calling with a high price. But one we can embrace by His grace. Living a life of integrity of heart requires intentionality. It requires us to continually seek to hear God’s voice and exercise discernment. But the reward of living such a life is rich.

Reflection: God highly values us and His price tag on us is of eternal value. He invites us to dwell with Him and be set apart whatever the cost. Will you choose to follow him daily? What would it personally look like for you to live with integrity of heart? What changes need to be made in your life in order to do so?