Do your walk, works, and words bear evidence of Christ in you?
PSALM 15.
In these five verses David asked the Lord, “Who is worthy to live in Heaven?” David knew that the only true blameless one is Jesus Christ. Although the men at that time wanted to base their righteousness on their adherence to the required law, David knew righteous behavior wasn’t about rules, but stemmed from a heart longing to please God. With the foundation for decision-making based on God, not self, one would be able to handle even the most difficult of people, temptations, and situations.
Psalm 15 lists outward attributes of an ideal worshiper of Christ, worthy to live in Heaven: walk blamelessly, do what is right, speak the truth in your heart, not slander, not do evil to your neighbor, give honor where it is due, give honor to those who fear the Lord, honor your word even when it hurts or is unprofitable, trustworthy, fair in your dealings, and not take bribes.
This Psalm, sung as a group hymn, was not a list of qualities for getting into Heaven, but served as a motivator for its members to more eagerly desire to treat others well, only possible with hearts close with Christ. This passage then and now could be used as a self-evaluation of our heart.
DO A LITTLE SELF-EVALUATION.
- Are your actions and reactions based on what you feel like doing or on what is right in God’s word?
- If your decision would profit you greatly, but it involves deceit, would you still do the right thing?
- Are you honest within your own heart or do you cover up your dishonesty by rehearsing justifications and planning excuses to appear upright?
- Do you speak the truth in a difficult situation even if it means standing alone?
- Do you keep your word even if it means a loss or is unprofitable to you?
- Do you refuse to gossip?
- Do you shut down gossip from the lips of others?
- Do you stand up for one who is being criticized or shamed?
- Do you protect the innocent at all times?
- Do you refuse to give or take bribes?
- Is your spoken word trustworthy?
- Are you a peacemaker or do you stir up with your words?
- Do you stand up for what is right even if you are scoffed or left alone?
- Are you fair in your dealings as if the transactions were with Christ himself?
- Do your words hurt and speak ill of another?
- Do you give credit to another for his works or omit his involvement to seek praise for yourself?
- Does anyone have blame against you that you have not made right?
- Are there words you have spoken against someone that you need to make right?
- Are there business transactions that were not done with integrity that need to be made right?
- In light of all of the anger on social media regarding political differences, how do you present your thoughts?
- Do you attack, shut down others, or speak as if your perspective is the only right way?
- Do you listen to the perspective of others and allow them to be respectfully heard entirely or play a role in a healthy dialogue?
- Do your words used on social media (or in public) to those with differing opinions, attract others to the Christ you claim to know?
Are we living for Self or Christ? The evidence is seen in our walk, works, and words.
A Tree Is Known by Its Fruit
Luke 6:43-45. “For a good tree does not bear bad fruit, nor does a bad tree bear good fruit. 44 For every tree is known by its own fruit. For men do not gather figs from thorns, nor do they gather grapes from a bramble bush. 45 A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart[a] brings forth evil. For out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.
PRAYER.
Dear Lord, I pray for ___ (specific child, friend, spouse, self) to have a heart that desires to worship you. May he bear fruit that is evidence of you in his life. I pray for him to walk confidently with a strong backbone, standing up for what is right and making decisions based on honoring you not impressing others. Daily, may he be observant of needs around him and sensitive to you prompting him. May his interest in others outweigh his own desire for comfort, being willing to be in uncomfortable situations to do what is right. May he view money and possessions through your eyes, willingly and joyfully giving however you put on his heart. May he be a man of integrity whose words are honest and trustworthy. And, with boldness and humility stop slander and gossip, and speak truth into a friend living in habitual sin. May his life bear good fruit that points to you.
Rhonda letsoozewithintegrityandkindness ellis