The Psalmist said...

 Although, the authoress of this blog is already into personal devotion in the Psalms, we will continue with chapter 25.21.

"Let integrity and uprightness preserve me; for I wait on Thee."

According to Webster's 1828 Dictionary,

• integrity means entire, unimpaired state of anything, particularly of the mind
• uprightness is honesty, conformity to rectitude (rightness of principle or practice) and justice in social dealings

We all understand right from wrong, although we may not practice the right thing always.  However, the Hebrew translation for "integrity" means completeness.  In my mind this indicates a peace in one's soul to feel "complete" when doing what is true and right in a given circumstance or to another.

"Uprightness" according to the Hebrew translation means just that, 'right.' "Equity" is also used in describing "uprightness."  In other words, one never places oneself above another when "doing the right thing."  It almost seems to declare a humility in the "preservation" of peace in the soul.

Case in point:  In a recent church service an individual was given time and opportunity to present a "children's work" by means of a "dummy" from which ventriloquism was used. One may read the following link to understand how the writer of this blog feels on this. This blogger did not have liberty to get up and walk away, so what does one do?

According to the Psalmist one is to "wait on Thee."  In Matthew 5.25, we are to "agree with (our) adversary quickly..." The individual who "performed" the skit is not my adversary, the church leader would be because it was allowed.  You may think "why is this a big deal, it was for the children." However, another saint who felt the same way wept while the "skit" was being played out.  

When the Holy Ghost is grieved, it touches the heart of a saint.  The solution to "Let integrity and uprightness preserve thee...?" Patience.  Does it need to be addressed?  I believe the church leader should know it upset one of the flock. Yet, patience, to deal with the situation must be exercised to avoid conflict that could disrupt the entire flock, if possible.  So, "quickly" dealing with the situation may still require a bit of patience.  The time must be right for "integrity and uprightness" to prevail.

When you are faced with such a challenge, remember the Psalmist learned as he got older that patience was needed to maintain "integrity and uprightness."  If a situation requires swift action, do it!  If you are allowed a bit of time while the Lord works on the heart on both sides, then wait before acting.

God bless and keep you is our prayer.