Together in Christ: 'Renovation Needed' — Psalm 51:10

Our relationship verse today comes from David's confession and prayer after his multiple, grievous sins against Uriah, Bathsheba, and God. ^[1] His sins were especially heinous because God had blessed David with deliverance, and given him responsibility as King. ^[2] We live in a time when the exposure of a leader's sexual indiscretion feels like a daily occurrence. However, in David's case, "sexual indiscretion" doesn't fully describe his betrayal of God's trust on multiple levels. When a leader abuses power and position to fulfill out-of-control lust, then lies, deception, abuse of power, and worse — like murder in David's case ^[3] — can be involved. In addition, the person in a less powerful position is often grievously wounded and abused by the malicious use of power to fulfill out-of-control desires.

How do we avoid abusing our power and position?

How can we live and not be driven by a lust for sex, power, money, or influence?

How do we guard our hearts and keep our motives pure?

We can pray David's prayer because we need daily Spirit-led inner renovation! Our verse can be our daily prayer:

• Asking God to re-create us, make us holy, and renovate us from the inside out — "Create in me a clean heart..."
• Reminding us that our primary allegiance is to God and his ways — "...O God."
• Reawakening us to our need for God's help in recalibrating our hearts — "Renew...
• Seeking God's help to be righteous and loyal in our spirits so that this righteousness and loyalty show up in our lifestyle — "...a loyal spirit within me."

As I write this devotional on relationships, I am about to be gone on a two-week journey to Israel. When I travel, I know I will be tired, stressed, and tempted during my trip. I've decided to pray this prayer while I am on this journey. I hope you will join me in this prayer for the following two weeks. In this way, I will give this month to renewing my walk with the Lord, the Eternal God, to honor him!