In what ways can we ensure our walk is "blameless" as Proverbs 28:18 advises? Our Call to Blameless Living “He who walks with integrity will be kept safe, but whoever is perverse in his ways will suddenly fall” (Proverbs 28:18). Scripture ties safety to integrity. The goal is not sinless perfection this side of heaven but a life consistently aligned with God’s revealed will. Secure in Christ, Empowered by Grace • God already “chose us in Him before the foundation of the world to be holy and blameless in His presence” (Ephesians 1:4). • Christ “presented you holy, unblemished, and blameless before Him” (Colossians 1:22). • Because that standing is secure, we cooperate with the Spirit to make our conduct match our position (Philippians 2:12-13). Five Daily Commitments 1. Submit to God’s Word – “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105). – Read, meditate, and obey—without selective editing. 2. Keep Short Accounts with God – “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9). – Confession restores fellowship and protects integrity. 3. Guard the Heart and Mind – “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it” (Proverbs 4:23). – Filter media, conversations, and desires through Philippians 4:8. 4. Walk by the Spirit – “Walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh” (Galatians 5:16). – Cultivate sensitivity to His promptings; surrender instantly. 5. Embrace Accountable Community – “Two are better than one… for if either of them falls, the one will lift up his companion” (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10). – Honest relationships expose blind spots and reinforce integrity. Guardrails for Integrity • Finances: “Dishonest scales are an abomination to the LORD, but a just weight is His delight” (Proverbs 11:1). • Speech: “Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only what is helpful for building others up” (Ephesians 4:29). • Sexual Purity: “This is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality” (1 Thessalonians 4:3). • Compassion for the Needy: “He who gives to the poor will not be in need” (Proverbs 28:27). Integrity extends to how we treat the vulnerable. Hallmarks Others Should Notice • Consistency—same character in private and public (Proverbs 10:9). • Transparency—willingness to let others examine life choices (1 Thessalonians 2:10). • Humility—quick to repent, slow to defend self (Micah 6:8). • Fruit of the Spirit—visible love, joy, peace, etc. (Galatians 5:22-23). When We Stumble • Acknowledge sin immediately (Psalm 32:5). • Receive cleansing without self-condemnation (Romans 8:1). • Make restitution where possible (Luke 19:8-9). • Re-engage the race—“the righteous falls seven times and rises again” (Proverbs 24:16). Ongoing Hope “Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before His glorious presence with great joy” (Jude 24). Our Shepherd not only calls us to walk blamelessly; He faithfully supplies everything necessary to finish the journey securely. |
    |