Iniquity Within

2 Samuel 22:24

"I was also upright before him, and have kept myself from mine iniquity."

As Christians we realize that the Spirit and the flesh war against each other in our bodies. The flesh is constantly, incessantly pulling us toward wickedness and iniquity while the Spirit calls us to the light of righteousness and truth.

David recognizes this war in his own life. And he did view it as a war, as must we. The words used here are very telling.

First, David acknowledged the iniquity as belonging to him personally. "Mine iniquity". He didn't see it as an outside force attempting to corrupt something good, but rather as something within him. Our flesh.

Second, David took an active part in resisting the fleshly draw of iniquity. "I have kept myself ". David didn't just pray and trust God (though he did do those things) and then hope it worked out. Instead he actively worked to keep himself away from the iniquity that lay coiled in his own heart.

Am I actively resisting with the grace and power of God's Spirit the iniquity that hides within me?