“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.”

King David had many failings, yet he truly exemplified and valued integrity. He sang in one of his psalms, “Vindicate me, O Lord, for I have walked in my integrity, and I have trusted in the Lord without wavering” (Psalm 26:1). As people brought forward offerings for the temple, David prayed, “I know, my God, that you test the heart and have pleasure in uprightness” (1 Chronicles 29:17).

Jesus also displayed integrity. His words always aligned with His actions. Three times He said He’d suffer, die, and rise again (Mark 8:31; Mark 9:31; Mark 10:33-34), and that is exactly what He did. He was resolute, determined, and steadfast. In moments of integrity, when our hearts refuse to be compromised, Jesus promises that we will “see God.” We will know God more clearly, follow God more nearly, and love God more dearly.

Do your words match your actions? Ask God to help you stay true to your commitments today, big and small. Lord, test me and know my heart that I may walk in integrity and see You. Amen.

This devotional is based on an episode from the Sermon on the Mount Devotions for Lent. This series for each day of Lent will take you through the teachings of Jesus and relate them to the events surrounding His life, death, and resurrection.