One Person

Psalm 26

After the startling claim of blamelessness (verse 1), the Psalmist proceeds to describe it. It then appears to be less a matter of moral perfection, which no one can claim, as of integrity, which is achievable. As in other psalms, this asking to be examined in the context of the temple is probably in response to a specific accusation from some enemy or enemies. He is blameless not in comparison to the perfection of the Lord. The claim is rather that his whole life speaks of innocence concerning whatever sort of accusation is made against him. He conducts himself in a consistent manner concerning the company he keeps and the influence others might have on him (verses 4-5), his specifically religious activities (verses 6-8), and in keeping from such immoral practices as are all around him (verse 9-11). Verse 11 underlines that by blameless he cannot mean moral perfection, since he also asks the Lord to redeem him and be merciful to him, words which suggest to me more than just rescue from immediate circumstances of accusation. His feet stand on level ground because he can claim a life of integrity; one part is consistent with another.

Likewise, we cannot claim moral perfection. Integrity, however, is achievable. I ought to be the same person with my wife and boys as I am with a colleague, the person at the drive-through at Tim’s, with a person I’m visiting in the hospital, or the service manager presenting me a bill for work on my vehicle. It is possible, though not always true, that I look back at the end of the day and say that I have been ‘blameless’ in my dealings with all people.

Today I will strive for that.

Prayer:
Lord, may I be as bold as the psalmist to invite your examination, and may you find that I am honourable in every kind of dealing, in every relationship encounter through the day. Through Christ. Amen.