– Scripture:

Clear my name, God; I’ve kept an honest shop. I’ve thrown in my lot with you, God, and I’m not budging. Examine me, God, from head to foot, order your battery of tests. Make sure I’m fit inside and out So I never lose sight of your love,
But keep in step with you, never missing a beat. I don’t hang out with tricksters, I don’t pal around with thugs;
I hate that pack of gangsters, I don’t deal with double-dealers. I scrub my hands with purest soap, then join hands with the others in the great circle, dancing around your altar, God, Singing God-songs at the top of my lungs, telling God-stories. God, I love living with you; your house glows with your glory. When it’s time for spring cleaning, don’t sweep me out with the quacks and crooks, Men with bags of dirty tricks, women with purses stuffed with bribe-money. You know I’ve been aboveboard with you; now be aboveboard with me. I’m on the level with you, God; I bless you every chance I get.

                             Psalm 26:1–12 MSG

– Reflection:

               “Wow! What a self-righteous Psalmist!”

The writer of this psalm seems to be someone who praises his own righteousness and is thankful that he is not “like other people,” especially the repentant tax collector. This psalm is traditionally attributed to David, which seems hypocritical considering his indiscretions in the Bathsheba/Uriah incident. The writer’s self-righteousness also extends to his relationships with others. He states, “I do not sit with the worthless, nor do I consort with hypocrites; I hate the company of evildoers, and will not sit with the wicked.” This attitude is reminiscent of the self-righteousness exhibited by the Pharisees in the gospels. It’s challenging to know how to interpret and approach this psalm in light of these observations.

Where do we go from here?

Psalm 26 reminds us that from God’s perspective, we do not live in a world where “anything goes.” God opposes evil. Those who submit their lives to God’s sovereignty will be different from those who follow only the direction of the self. The faithful life has a particular shape, involving a daily “walk” and participation in worship to express gratitude to God and take one’s place in the proper assembly. There is a pattern to the righteous life, but the challenge is for it not to become self-righteous. Righteousness is about living in the right relationship with God and with one another. In Christ, God defines the nature of that relationship as love for God and love for neighbor. Ultimately, by God’s grace, we are called to walk in integrity in this way together.

Our Prayer for Today

Father, Grant me the eyes to see myself as you see me, Father. Show me what is not under your will in my life so that, by your grace, I may live in integrity and ultimately walk in your way. Amen.

Prayer Inspiration: Joe Clifford