Comparisons

In the New Testament (2 Cor. 10:12), we are warned to not compare our selves among ourselves, that is, looking around and making judgments based on what others are doing (or what we think they are doing). To do so shows a lack of understanding. However, as we are sometimes prone to compare, we should have “standard-bearers” to model after.


Reading through Psalm 26 today had me wondering if I could speak to God in the way the psalmist does here. If I had to self-evaluate, how would I measure up against the heart and attitude expressed here? I know I am ultimately compared to Christ, and yet, here is a real-life example of a man faithful to God, trying his best, falling short at times, having a heart-to-heart with God.

He starts off asking God, “Vindicate me”. The term used is a legal one, bringing to mind a court proceeding, and the psalmist is asking God to defend him. Judgment is implied, but the emphasis is on the defense aspect, and here, the psalmist asks God to take his side.

Let me skip ahead, and come back to this judgment. The psalmist eventually asks God, “Redeem me…be gracious to me”. Those are probably easier to ask, at least from our perspective. Who among us does not enjoy redemption, or who does not want God to be gracious? The psalmist truly loves the presence of God in the temple, in worship, meeting God where He demands to be met.

But upon what does David here base the justification of vindication, redemption and grace? He makes some comparisons, but comparisons which are based upon God and His commands.

I shutter to think of the response if God would verbalize His response to my asking Him what David does: “Examine me…try me…test my mind and my heart.” I don’t see much difference between the claims he makes and the claims we should also be making. Nor do I see where there is very much to add to this Psalm, it speaks rather plainly, summarized in this list:

I do not sit with deceitful men.
I will not go with pretenders (those whose appearance does not match their true intent).
I hate the assembly of evildoers.
I will not sit with the wicked.
I will wash my hands in innocence (a pure heart).
I will go about your altar (love of worship)
I love to worship, so that I can give You thanks.

David starts the Psalm by saying that he has walked in integrity, a concept all but disappearing in our culture. And he closes by affirming to continue on in that walk.

So, how did you measure up? I know how I did. I can tell you I will think and pray long and hard each time I challenge God to examine me, to test my mind and heart. Here’s the test. How will I respond when He answers?