In what ways can we demonstrate innocence in our actions and decisions? The picture of clean hands “ I wash my hands in innocence and go around Your altar, O LORD” (Psalm 26:6). David envisions worshippers literally washing before entering the sanctuary. He applies that outward act to the inner life: every choice must be able to stand in God’s presence. Daily practices that reflect innocence • Quick repentance – confess known sin as soon as the Spirit convicts (1 John 1:9). • Honest work – refuse shady shortcuts; “better a little with righteousness than great gain with injustice” (Proverbs 16:8). • Pure speech – no gossip, slander, or coarse joking (Ephesians 4:29). • Faithful stewardship – pay what is owed, return what is borrowed (Romans 13:8). • Sexual integrity – honor marriage and shun all impurity (Hebrews 13:4). • Transparent finances – “provide what is right, not only in the eyes of the Lord but also in the eyes of men” (2 Corinthians 8:21). Guarding the heart to guide the hands Matthew 5:8 links purity of heart with seeing God. Innocence flows from the inside out: 1. Fill the mind with Scripture (Psalm 119:11). 2. Screen media and conversations (Philippians 4:8). 3. Pray for discernment before decisions (James 1:5). 4. Cultivate gratitude; complaining often leads to compromise (Colossians 3:15-17). Living transparently before others Peter urges, “Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable” (1 Peter 2:12). Practical outworking: • Accept accountability—invite trusted believers to ask hard questions. • Make restitution when wrongs are exposed (Luke 19:8-9). • Let yes be yes and no be no (Matthew 5:37). • Serve without hidden agendas (Galatians 5:13). Staying near the altar David circles the altar after washing. Likewise, innocence is preserved by continual closeness to the finished work of Christ: • Remember the cross daily (Hebrews 10:22-23). • Participate in corporate worship; public praise reinforces private purity (Psalm 73:28). • Celebrate the Lord’s Supper in sincerity, examining oneself (1 Corinthians 11:28). Encouraging promises for the innocent • Psalm 24:3-4—clean hands, pure hearts may ascend the hill of the LORD. • Proverbs 2:7—He “stores up sound wisdom for the upright; He is a shield to those who walk in integrity.” • Philippians 1:9-10—abounding love and discernment lead to being “pure and blameless for the day of Christ.” God delights to vindicate and protect those who, like David, keep their hands clean and their hearts close. |
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