8 The Lord judges the peoples; judge me, O Lord, according to my righteousness and according to the integrity that is in me. . . . .12 If a man does not repent, God will whet his sword (Psalm 7:8,12)
What a worrisome thought to have God judge us according to our righteousness and integrity. I have to be honest, this terrifies me. My integrity is a sliding scale many days. Depending on my mood, I can be more sinner than saint in any and all circumstances. One of the many gifts our Lord grants us is the substitution of His demeanor for my own. Somehow it makes sense in His economy to grant His kids a divine righteousness. Is it not like a wholly other God to make something wholly other out of our mess of a soul? When we listen to His voice, we grow in integrity, reaching heights of character we never imagined while finding the peace of an unburdened conscience.
In verse 12 we find something equally as terrifying as well as a beautiful depiction of God’s love. To repent, one must own up to who they really are with no false pretense or props. The Church fails to do this well. Humanity in general are scared of being found out as we play the role of hype man for our ego’s sake. Why can’t we be honest, first with ourselves and second to anyone within shouting distance? How freeing it would be to live like this. At first, the phrase “God will whet his sword” strikes fear in us. Rightfully so. Yet, it is His judgment that saves us for further destruction. If He loves you enough to stop your charade by force, then we can trust His violent love. It is the man who finds God indifferent to him that should be pitied for God disciplines those He loves.
Lord, I repent. Shape my character in your integrity. Rid me of ego and pretense.
Matt simon blog 