Given with Integrity

“I know, my God, that you test the heart and are pleased with integrity. All these things I have given willingly and with honest intent” (1 Chronicles 29:17a, NIV).

Do I ever look at the gifts of my heart, and ask if they are given with integrity? Whatever I give–whether love, friendship, compassion, time, a listening ear, advice–must be given willingly. They must be given with honest intent. There is no hidden agenda. There is no subterfuge. There is no mask. They are given because of His love and His work in my own heart. What I give away should not be given to make me feel better about myself. I should give because of His love in me... a love that sees that the need in someone else is greater than my own could ever be.

This life in Jesus is not about me. Whatever I give or do in His name should come from what He creates within my life, and never from my any fabrication. He will constantly test my heart to see if it is filled with integrity and honesty. If I draw close to Him, He will draw close to me (James 4:8a), and His presence will reveal the intentions of my heart. I will be stripped before Him. Nothing will be hidden. In that moment, I will know if He is pleased with me or not.

I know, my God, that you always test my heart. I know that you always yearn for what I do or give in your name to be born of honesty and integrity. Lord God, I want what I give to come from a heart that has been purified by you. Forgive me for anything I have ever given that has come from other motives than what you desire. Always create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew your steadfast spirit within me. Then I will be refined by your love. I will be made new.... and what I give away will come from a heart that is honest and true.