Some of the most basic components of identity include language, values, customs and expectations of the world around you. You see, when you say you’re an American, there are those things that people automatically ascribe to you. When you say you’re an African, an Asian, there are those things that people, expect you to be familiar with or to be doing. Some biases and assumptions. Identity inspires in us a sense of who we are and who we relay to others that we are. Our identity forms a stable core and an anchoring point to our individuality and values. And that identity or in other words, who we are, is what determines what we do. We are doing a study in Tweens and Teens this Season and one of theme focuses on Identity. If you read the book of Samuel and Psalms, or anywhere else that David is mentioned, you’ll realize that he was not called a man after God’s own heart for no reason. As imperfect as he was as a man, David is portrayed in the Bible as a kind man, a generous and noble man. He was a repentant man. A man who had unwavering faith in God. Psalms 78:72 describes another character of this man, and this is what I want us to talk about as we continue with this month’s topic of Matters of the Heart: he is described as a man of integrity, who governed Israel, by the skillfulness of his hands. David aimed at nothing else but the glory of God during his reign. Integrity and the fear of God were the maxims of his government. This was a man who was humbled first before he was exalted. His beginnings were as small as it could get, but at the height of his achievements, the heart he had when he was a shepherd did not leave him. This is a man whose character was shaped by his relationship with God. He remained upright before God, never swerving in heart from the obedience of God. He was sincere in his allegiance to God and he shepherded His people with an honest heart. He avoided and abhorred the counsel and courses that were contrary to the will of God. He acted in singular prudence and sought the good and welfare of his people. He did not seek his own honor and interest or the advancement of his family. David fulfilled his vocation with a pure heart. He realized God’s design and followed it to his last day. As we talk about matters of the heart this month, I want us to assess our hearts and ask ourselves if our hearts can be described in the manner that David’s heart was described. Does our relationship with God inspire a sense of identity in us? Does what we relay to the world reflect a people who know God? You know, we said at the beginning of today’s podcast that our identity is what determines what we do. Our values, our thoughts our actions… all these are anchored to a certain core. And if that core is not stable, if what lies in our hearts is not founded in God, we can only maintain some characters for some time before we slide back to our real selves. And so I want to challenge us today. Let us desire to have the kind of heart that David had. A heart that seeks for nothing less than the glory of God. A heart that has unwavering faith in God. May we desire to let our relationship with God shape our characters. Until those who interact with us can say these are a people of integrity. This is a man, a woman with an honest heart. This is a young man, or a young woman whose obedience and allegiance to God has not wavered because what is in their heart is solid. In Jesus’ mighty name. Amen. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/pastor-lucy-paynter/support