March 27 ~ Psalm 15:1-5
Who may worship in your sanctuary, Lord? Who may enter your presence on your holy hill? Those who lead blameless lives and do what is right, speaking the truth from sincere hearts. Those who refuse to gossip or harm their neighbors or speak evil of their friends. Those who despise flagrant sinners, and honor the faithful followers of the Lord, and keep their promises even when it hurts. Those who lend money without charging interest, and who cannot be bribed to lie about the innocent. Such people will stand firm forever.
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Suppose you wanted to throw a dinner party in your home. Who would be on your guest list? Would you include someone you do not like… or someone whose company you don’t enjoy? Would you invite people who have a reputation for gossip or those who speak evil of their friends? Would your list include some who you know to be dishonest and deceitful? Would bigots and those who are brazen and foul-mouthed be allowed? Would you ask known thieves to attend?
If some of these people showed up uninvited, how would you treat them? Would you usher them out and tell them never to visit your home again… or would you treat them kindly and gently – but with guarded hospitality? Would you make sure that they were sufficiently humiliated in front of the other guests… or would you be gracious toward them?
This is what God does for us. He prefers that His “house” be filled with those who operate with integrity. But God is gracious and will not embarrass those of us who behave inappropriately. God does not appreciate our disrespect and dishonor... but He will not stoop to our level. Instead, God blesses and rewards those who lead blameless lives and do what is right. He bestows incredible favor on those who speak the truth from sincere hearts. He promises perpetual love and care to those who keep their promises even when it hurts… the honest and upright who cannot be bribed or persuaded to disobey.
I know it may seem like some people skirt through life doing as they please and getting by with it. You may be able to name a few people who appear to live a charmed life and “have it made” even though they have a penchant for impropriety and ill-gotten gain. But I can assure you, they do not have God’s favor… and their assurances of His blessings and care will not be everlasting and secure. I don’t know about you, but I’m in it with God for the long haul. I want all He offers… and I plan to do everything possible to live in a way that ensures that He is pleased with me!
Lest you think that this is about what God can do for me… I assure you, it is not! The truth is that God has done far and above anything I could ever hope to deserve for me already… He sent His only Son to die on a cross for my sins. He sacrificed everything for someone who can give Him little to nothing in return… who certainly can never repay this tremendous gift. And that person is me! It is also you… and the next guy… and the next! We cannot earn God’s favor or blessings. But we can honor and respect Him by living with integrity… by leading blameless lives, operating with sincerity and authenticity… and a having genuine heart. Even when we are ridiculed and mistreated, we can continue to show love, grace, mercy and forgiveness… and in doing so, we can say, “I’m striving to imitate you as closely as possible, LORD!”
THESE are the kinds of people who find sanctuary in the LORD. These are the ones whom He desires to invite to His table… the ones who will find blessings and favor… who will stand firm forever. I want to be among them… don’t you? Are you a worthy dinner guest? Aren’t you ready to become one?
©2013 Debbie Robus
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