Psalm 15
Here in Psalm 15 David begins by asking God who may abide in His tabernacle?
Who may dwell in His holy hill? This is powerfully important because the Israelites used these two terms – “to abide in His tabernacle” and “to dwell in His holy hill” – interchangeably to express and focus on being in the presence of God continually. In God’s presence believers are safe from the devil; there he can’t steal our identity. Unfortunately, far too many of us don’t know who we are and won’t meet the characteristics the psalmist outlines in verses 2-5. If we fail to abide in the Lord today, we aren’t enjoying the blessings of His presence now and won’t have the privilege of enjoying His blessed eternal presence.
The psalmist says that believers are to walk uprightly, work righteousness, and speak the truth in their hearts (v. 2). Believers are to always walk honestly, without hypocrisy , be just in our dealings, and let our words be truth for what comes out of the mouth is from the heart. We are not to backbite with the tongue, commit evil against our neighbor, nor take up a reproach against one’s friend (v.3). To abide in or dwell in God’s presence, we are to have no respect of person; God doesn’t. If a person is vile, or evil, we are to see them as such and despise them. However, we are to honor those who fear the Lord. We, who abide in God’s presence, don’t change what we say to make it to our own benefit even when it hurts (v.4). Finally David says that believers who lend their money to fellow Israelites (applies to all believers today) without charging interest, or taking a bribe against the innocent abide in God. God expects those living in close relationship with Him to conform to His righteousness. Children of God who do these things will never be moved (v.5).
To abide in God’s presence, commands change. These guidelines for living a righteous life command believers to “be transformed by the renewing of your mind…” (Romans 12:2), and “as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct” (1 Peter 1).
One reply on “Guidelines for Living a Life of Righteousness”
Ma, Thank you for reminding us of and honoring the biblical guidelines for living a life of righteousness. I am proud of your faithfulness to this divine ministry gifted to you by God. Love you to life, Hazel B.