Psalm 15
“O LORD, who shall sojourn in Your tent? Who shall dwell on Your holy hill?
He who walks blamelessly and does what is right and speaks truth in his heart; who does not slander with his tongue and does no evil to his neighbor, nor takes up a reproach against his friend; in whose eyes a vile person is despised, but who honors those who fear the LORD; who swears to his own hurt and does not change; who does not put out his money at interest and does not take a bribe against the innocent. He who does these things shall never be moved.”
This Psalm caught my attention. I used to think it was what God required of me. But I now understand that this Psalm is a picture of Christ! Only Jesus perfectly walked blamelessly and did all that was right!
But I found a solid 10 habits in this passage that I want to keep in remembrance and actively seek to put in practice. Because I want to imitate my Savior! More of Him and less of me!
1- Walks blamelessly. This speaks to the outward appearance. Even after salvation, we will still battle our flesh. Perfection is not attainable. We will stumble. But this walking blamelessly can be watching your outward testimony. Do you claim to be a Christian? Then lost people are watching you. Walking blamelessly is showing the outside world that you are not your own. It shows them that you don’t serve the world, or not even yourself, but you serve a holy God, who you fear.
2- Does what is right. This is slightly different than walking blamelessly. Because some people can put on a great show. But it must reach deeper than that. You must do what is right when no one is watching. You must do what is right even when no one else around you understands right from wrong.
3- Speaks truth in his heart. The Bible says that all men are liars. How good we are at lying to ourselves! We lie to justify our sin. Lying comes naturally to us as fallen women. But we MUST answer the lie with the truth. Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God. We must live in the Word of God, so we can be full of the Truth, so that we can combat the lies! For example: LIE: I need for someone to see me for who I am. TRUTH: I need for someone to see GOD for who HE is. (Psalms 96:4-5, 8-9) Here is another: LIE: It is necessary to take matters into my own hands. TRUTH: Wait on the LORD. (Psalm 27:14)
4- Does not slander. Do you gossip? Do you speak badly about people? This is unacceptable if you claim to be a servant of Jesus Christ. Jesus clearly said, By your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned. Your words matter. Jesus also said, blessed are the peacemakers.
5- Does no evil to his neighbor. This is pretty self-explanatory. But let’s take a look at a hidden evil. What about being lazy? When we are lazy, we are piling up work and stress for those around us. Family, co-workers, church family, etc. In rich America, laziness is a well fed epidemic. TVs, computers, smart phones, games… I find it very easy to be lazy!
6- Does not judge. The easiest way to differentiate between a true redeemed child of God and someone who is merely religious is whether or not they feel entitled to judge someone. A true redeemed child of God knows that to whom much forgiveness has been given, much forgiveness is required.
7- Despises evil-doers. When evil is done in your presence, do not join in, do not sit quietly, and do not run away. Stand up to evil! When workplace gossip happens around you, when you see someone showing a complete lack of compassion and grace when it is badly needed, when a group is laughing at a dirty joke… despise it!
8- Honors those who fear the LORD. Look for those who are sold out to the service of Jesus Christ, and seek to be a blessing to them. Life is hard for Christians. Spiritual warfare can be intensely draining and painful. Trials and tribulations abound. Encourage them! Start with those in ministry and missions, but look everywhere!
9- Keeps promises. How simple. Do what you say you are going to do. Be where you say you are going to be. Commit wholeheartedly to your husband. Be a faithful employee.
10- Uses money to bless not to take advantage. Look for opportunities to help those with unmet needs. Do not expect a return on your investment. Do not loan with interest or strings attached.
1 Corinthians 6:19-20 says “Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.” Without the indwelling of the Holy Spirit of God, I do not believe this “to do” list would be possible. You must first be saved by believing in the Lord Jesus Christ.
But if you are a born-again follower of Jesus Christ, use this passage as a ‘Wake up!’ call. Mark 13:35-36 says, “Therefore stay awake- for you do not know when the master of the house will come, in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or in the morning- lest He come suddenly and find you asleep. And what I say to you I say to all: Stay awake.”
A White Stone with a New Name 