Lord, who may dwell in your sanctuary? Who may live on your holy hill? He whose walk is blameless and who does what is righteous, who speaks the truth from his heart and has no slander on his tongue, who does his neighbor no wrong and casts no slur on his fellowman, who despises a vile man but honors those who fear the Lord, who keeps his oath even when it hurts, who lends his money without usury and does not accept a bribe against the innocent. He who does these things will never be shaken.
Notice that he said the person who enjoys the presence of God and lives a blameless life is the one who “speaks the truth from his heart” (vv. 1-2). Because this person values truth in his heart, his words express truth. Because he values kindness, he “does his neighbor no wrong” (v. 3). Because he values honesty, he “keeps his oath (promise) even when it hurts” (v. 4). Because he values justice, he “does not accept a bribe against the innocent” (v. 5). People that are driven by values reap a great benefit from the Lord. David said they “will never be shaken.”
Regardless of what may happen around them, they can live with full confidence that the right principles have shaped their values and have guided their decisions. That confidence will give them emotional and spiritual stability. It will enable them to be people that God can use for his glory.
Consider what values drove the psalmist’s behavior. As we examine our own lives, what values do you see as driving your behavior? Many of us hold certain values, but our actions are not governed by the things we say we hold dear. Perhaps we should start by asking ourselves what values we want to have driving our behavior. Unless we become intentional about this, we will be shaped by the values of others. We cannot have a set of values for the office, another set for the home and a completely different set for the Church. Our goal should be to completely integrate godly values into all spheres of life.
As a Church (a local assembly of believers) we should have certain values, things that we believe that guide our actions and behavior.
Here's a short list for consideration:
1) Because people matter to God, they matter to us.
2) The message of the Gospel transforms lives.
3) Transforming people into fully devoted followers of Jesus Christ is our goal.
4) Evangelism and ministry must be approached in ways that are relevant.
5) People must be respected and handled with gentleness.
6) We need to be a caring community where people can connect.
7) Every believer has a God-given ministry.
8) Everything we do for God must be done in excellence.
9) We must have an evangelistic impact upon our community.
10) If we are going to accomplish our God-given mission, we must step out in faith.
We are committed to the authority of God's Word, depending upon the Holy Spirit that empowers and enables.
No comments:
Post a Comment