Ps 26:1-2 Declare me innocent, O Lord, for I have acted with integrity; I have trusted in the Lord without wavering. Put me on trial, Lord, and cross-examine me. Test my motives and my heart.
No one is innocent since Eve ate the forbidden fruit. David was proclaiming his innocence as others accused him of all the things they were doing. He was tired of listening to rumors, lies and negative stories about him. He possibly didn’t handle the situation well but knew there was a better way. David never said he was perfect (sinless) only blameless. When we stand in integrity, our sin is placed before God not man. God’s judgement and forgiveness covers our sin, thus making us blameless. David was human and made mistakes, but God knew the intent of his heart. The Bible says the heart is desperately wicked, who can know it. Only God knows if our intent is pure and David wanted to do the will of God.
We all come to that time in our lives when we need to stop anything or anyone that compromises our commitment to God. Is there something or someone holding you back? Perhaps a long-held relationship that isn’t godly? Maybe a habit or something that takes you away from spending time with God. These things may interfere with others seeing our Christian character and values. People may try to bring us down to their level, but God will lift us up.
Character assassination is tough, but David endured the tests and came out on the other side with integrity. He never thought he was sinless, only blameless. The way we handle sin shows the character of our heart. When sin is dealt with in the correct way, you can be blameless. He was saying, hey people I just keep trying to do the will of God. There comes a time when we must take a stand. Keep trying or quit, the outcome is up to you.
Jena Kleinpeter 