I Would Be True

One of the sincere desires of my heart is to be able to legitimately wear the title of “man of God.”  It is not easy for a sinner like me to put aside my own natural sinfulness and become something I am not.  It is a daily struggle against the flesh for me to live in a godly way.  David wrote, “The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and He delighteth in his way” (Psalm 37:23).  I like this verse because it uses the word “steps.”  It does not say “leaps and bounds,” but “steps.”  One at a time, I want to walk with God.  The key is for me to be the “good man” this verse speaks about.  If I will do that, I can see God’s direction for each of my steps.

Howard A. Walters wrote a simple but powerful song that speaks of this desire.  I know some of the phrases are older English, but don’t get hung up on a different word.  Look at the depth of this simple song and reflect on the verse from the psalmist.

Verse 1: I would be true, for there are those who trust me; I would be pure, for there are those who care; I would be strong, for there is much to suffer; I would be brave, for there is much to dare.

Verse 2: I would be friend of all – the foe, the friendless; I would be giving, and forget the gift; I would be humble, for I know my weakness; I would look up, and laugh, and love, and lift.

Verse 3: I would be prayerful through each busy moment; I would be constantly in touch with God; I would be tuned to hear His slightest whisper; I would have faith to keep the path Christ trod.

This is a powerful song.  I want to be a man of God today because there are people following me.  I don’t want to disappoint the people who are depending on me to walk with God.  There are people following you today as well.  This is a motivation for me today.  The last phrase mentions being brave … this is a tough task to carry out.  I want to do it. 

The second verse speaks about being true to God so that we can reach the lost.  An impure lifestyle will not attract the lost, but instead will repel them.  I want to walk with God so the lost will come to know Him.  I want to give my time, money and efforts to seeing lost people come under the clear teaching of the Word of God.  I want to be a man who does this. 

The third verse mentions one of the keys to walking faithfully with God.  I want to have a consistent prayer life.  I want to be a person who others will ask to pray, knowing that I will do it.  I would be true to my God today!