Psalm 15
A psalm of David.
1 Who may worship in your sanctuary, Lord?
Who may enter your presence on your holy hill?
2 Those who lead blameless lives and do what is right,
speaking the truth from sincere hearts.
3 Those who refuse to gossip
or harm their neighbors
or speak evil of their friends.
4 Those who despise flagrant sinners,
and honor the faithful followers of the Lord,
and keep their promises even when it hurts.
5 Those who lend money without charging interest,
and who cannot be bribed to lie about the innocent.
Such people will stand firm forever.
Here is a description of what people who love God are like. This behaviour is not the way we are accepted by God. The New Testament and Jesus’ death and resurrection tell us clearly what we need to do to be accepted completely by God.
“For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3: 16)
“So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus. 2 And because you belong to him, the power of the life-giving Spirit has freed you from the power of sin that leads to death.” (Romans 8: 1 – 2)
Suppose you were describing a Christ-follower to a friend, would they look like the person described in this psalm?
You could count on that person to tell the truth – not in a harsh way, but with kindness and care for others. That person would never gossip. They will keep their promises even when it is very inconvenient for them. You can count on them! They will lend you money without trying to make money off you. Self-interest in not their motivation. And they can’t be persuaded to lie or “stretch the truth” to help someone else out, or gain someone’s favour.
I appreciate psalms like this. They keep me on my toes as I take a look at myself. Are those characteristics true of me? Hmm … especially the gossiping one?
Our song for today is New Wine by Hillsong Worship