Heart of Integrity

Genesis 20:5 is the next "heart" we see as we March through the Bible, seeking God's heart.

This passage has always been hard for me to understand. God had just destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah because of the sinfulness of Abraham's nephew, Lot.

One would think that after seeing his family's family destroyed by going against God's plan, it would spur Abraham to holiness and integrity of heart. Nope.

"Said he not unto me, She is my sister? And she, even she herself said, He is my brother; in the integrity of my heart and innocence of my hands have I done this." Genesis 20:5.

What had she done? Sarah and Abraham traveled to the south, away from Sodom. They decided to lie about being married and told everyone they were brother and sister. Why? The text is not clear.

So, the King of Gerar, Abimelech, took her for his wife. This woman of God, who is 90, waiting on a baby from God, is still marriage material.

God came to Abimelech and they had a conversation about the truth: Abraham and Sarah were already married. The king immediately gave her back. His heart of integrity, this pagan, trusted God to do the right thing. But look at God's chosen, committing the same sin as in Genesis 12, lieing.

Are we any different? Do I commit the same sins over and over? Yes. Yes, I do.

So who has the greatest integrity? The pagan who obeyed God or God's chosen, by lieing?

We all sin, right? We all justify our actions, right?

I do. Just a little white lie. I know the speed limit, but I am in a hurry. I will hide this dress in the back of my closet, he will never know.

First, the giants of faith in the Bible, were human, just like us.

Second, we all fall short and sin.

Third, God can work through the godless to perform his will.

Fourth, it is not about doing what I want, but asking forgiveness when I fall and getting up again and heading in the godly direction.

God, Father, forgive me when I go against your will. Forgive me when my heart for integrity slips. Fill my heart with your spirit, so that I can walk, act, and be a woman after your heart. Help me carry my heart with integrity. So when I look at myself at the end of the day that I can see your heart of integrity in me.