Integrity of Mind

Our Bible study for Wednesday Woman this week is entitled, “The Mind: A Terrible Thing to Waste.” It is based on several passages from Romans.


Romans 1:21 (English Standard Version)
21For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened.

All of creation told them that God existed, but they refused to recognize Him. Once they failed in acknowledging that reality, other thoughts became misguided as well. And as they failed in their minds to recognize God, they also failed in their hearts. And the result is not a pretty picture. Sin never is.

King David, in an effort to be a man of integrity, made a vow before his people. When our boys were young, my husband would have this verse taped to the television as a gentle reminder. He used the New King James Version at that time.

Psalm 101:3 (New King James Version)
3 I will set nothing wicked before my eyes;

I also like the English Standard Version where it exchanges wicked for worthless.

Psalm 101:3 (English Standard Version)
3I will not set before my eyes
anything that is worthless.

I like thinking about avoiding things that have no value. But we know that even King David failed in this promise. He did not avoid looking at the beautiful Bathsheba and succumbing to the other sins that followed.

Although, like King David, we, too, may fail miserably, we, too, like King David, can hold to the promise of the one who did live a life of perfect integrity—David’s descendant, Jesus Christ.

Romans 5:10-11 (English Standard Version)
10For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life. 11More than that, we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.

Dear Father in Heaven,
We acknowledge you as the creator of all good gifts. We ask that you forgive us for the many times that we fail in our efforts to do Your will. Thank you for the reconciliation we receive by faith in Your Son, Jesus Christ. Please bless our efforts to serve You with integrity.
In Jesus Name we pray.
Amen