On Friday morning, Yan Xing and I shared breakfast and discussed how to teach and raise children. I confessed that I had disciplined my children with a cane when they were young, and Yan Xing expressed that he shared the same conviction. However, our conversation was not focused on disciplinary methods, but rather on reminding each other that, both at home and in the church, we should learn from one another and uphold God's truth in nurturing our children. Especially as more young families join the church, we need to encourage one another in the Lord.

The world is changing rapidly. Information overload, increasing self-centeredness, the erosion of God's moral standards, and compromise seem to have become the norm. Society teaches children to pursue "win-win" outcomes while neglecting obedience to God's will. Yet we know that integrity in the Lord is not merely about being a “good person,” but about courageously obeying God's truth (v. 2).

Psalm 101 reminds us that believers should live with an upright and blameless heart, walking in God's ways (vv. 1-2). We are called to guard our hearts, turn away from evil, and not tolerate injustice (vv. 3-5). God values faithfulness and godly character above skill, wisdom, or outward appearance (vv. 6-7). Living righteously requires reliance on God, continual repentance, and steadfast obedience. Every choice and action should reflect God's justice and goodness.

When we guard our hearts and uphold integrity (Psalm 101), as Pastor Edmund Chan (former Senior Pastor of Covenant EFC) points out, we are reminded that our self-worth and security are not built upon achievements but rooted in our identity in God. When we remember that we belong to Him, our hearts align with His truth, and our daily choices and actions continually manifest Christ's love and righteousness.

Reflection

Do my daily decisions and actions reflect Christ's love and righteousness?

Prayer

Lord, help us uphold integrity, turn away from sin, and manifest Your love and righteousness in our lives. In Jesus' name, Amen.