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Psalm 15:1-5
(Click or hover over the above Scripture reference link to read the passage.)
Psalm 15 helps us in understanding the things God cares about. As new covenant Christians (I explain here how this relates to the old covenant under which the Psalms were written), we know it’s by the grace of Jesus that we may dwell in God’s sacred tent or live on his holy mountain (Romans 3:23-24). With that in mind, we can now look Psalm 15 as a clear list of things God cares about. I don’t think we spend enough time in modern Christianity looking at the things that are on God’s heart. In any love relationship, you want to know what is on the other person’s heart, and out of love, you want to be about those things as well. This is particularly true with God, who is not only our spouse, but is also our Father and Lord and King. So let’s take a look at this short list in Psalm 15 of some of the things God cares about:
- a blameless walk
- doing what’s right
- speaks truth
- does not slander (doesn’t say false things about others to try to ruin their reputation)
- does kind things to their neighbor
- doesn’t use slurs to describe other people groups
- despises vile people
- honors those who follow God
- keeps an oath, even if it hurts
- lends money to the poor without interest
- does not accept a bribe in order to harm the innocent
This is not meant to be an all-inclusive list of everything God cares about, but it is helpful to list out Psalm 15’s examples and comb through them reflectively. Do I care about each of these things? Does my life model each of these things? Does the way I talk about politicians on social media reflect these things? (Note: that’s in reference to the slander command, not the despising vile people one!) Do I lend to the poor in order to help them, without hindering them with interest? (There’s a big question for businesses and banks!) Do I speak truth, even if it hurts? Do I do what is right, or am I swayed by the changing tides of culture? Do I celebrate and emulate vile people with my lifestyle, or do I despise their behavior? (While still loving them (including politicians you disagree with!) as Jesus commands – Matthew 5:38-48)
We don’t do these things to earn God’s approval. Jesus has already done that for us (Colossians 1:22). We do these things because God cares about them. We do them because we love God. We do these things because Jesus says, “If you love me, you’ll obey my commands” (John 14:15).
Take each of these before the Lord in prayer and ask his Spirit to convict you in any area where you’re weak or falling short. Ask God for the strength to obey and follow him in that area.
Prayer for the day: God, thank you that you are indeed Lord. That you are the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. That you have revealed to us what is right and wrong and in so doing, you ‘ve revealed to us the path of life. Please lead me in the path of life. Give me strength to obey you and follow you. Thank you for your grace that makes me whole and takes away the shame and pressure of having to obey all of your commands perfectly. But help me to obey out of love for you. Examine my heart right now as I go through this bullet list and show me any area where I need to repent. Show me areas where I’m not doing what you want me to do. Show me who my neighbor is. Give me strength. Thank you for not leaving me alone on this journey. Thank you for walking with me and giving me the strength I need.
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Author of Beyond the Battle: A man's guide to his identity in Christ in an oversexualized world
Host of the The Flip Side Podcast
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