January 17, 2020 • Life for Leaders
Because of my integrity you uphold me
and set me in your presence forever.
Psalm 41:12 (NIV)
Prayer:
I wonder, Lord, could I come before you and vouch for my integrity? My first thought is, “No.” I am quite aware of my failings, my inconsistencies, my lack of integrity. This isn’t news to you, I realize. For you see me through and through, just as I am.
“Just as I am, without one plea, but that thy blood was shed for me” (Charlotte Elliott). Before you, Lord, I don’t have to be perfect. I can admit my errors and inadequacies. I can confess all the ways my life is not integrated because I know that your blood was shed for me. Because of you, I am forgiven and set free.
Yes, free; not just from my past sin, but free from the power of sin, free so that I might live more consistently by your grace and for your glory. Free, so that I might indeed grow into greater integrity. I want all the pieces of my life to line up. And so, with Ignatius, I pray: “Grant, Lord, that all my intentions, actions, and operations be directed purely to your praise and your service.”
I realize that living with integrity will not always reap earthly rewards. Sometimes it will; sometimes it won’t. But I trust that you will be honored in my efforts, even though they are energized by your grace. May my experience be like that of the psalm writer. In my integrity, please uphold me, Lord. Make your presence known to me, both now and forever. May my life of integrity be an offering of worship to you. Amen.
Ponder Throughout the Day:
As you seek to work with integrity, God will hold onto you and make his presence known to you.
Explore more at The High Calling archive, hosted by the Theology of Work Project:
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Dr. Mark D. Roberts is a Senior Strategist for Fuller’s Max De Pree Center for Leadership, where he focuses on the spiritual development and thriving of leaders. He is the principal writer of the daily devotional, Life for Leaders, and the founder of the De Pree Center’s Flourishing in the Third Third of Life Initiative. Previously, Mark was the Executive Director of the De Pree Center, the lead pastor of a church in Southern California, and the Senior Director of Laity Lodge in Texas. He has written eight books, dozens of articles, and over 2,500 devotions that help people discover the difference God makes in their daily life and leadership. With a Ph.D. in New Testament from Harvard, Mark teaches at Fuller Seminary, most recently in his D.Min. cohort on “Faith, Work, Economics, and Vocation.” Mark is married to Linda, a marriage and family counselor, spiritual director, and executive coach. Their two grown children are educators on the high school and college level.
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Thanks for the prayer Mark! May I add a hearty, “Amen!”