Near God

🌿 Reflection: Living Honestly Close to God (Psalm 15)

"LORD, who may dwell in your sacred tent? Who may live on your holy mountain?"  Psalm 15:1

That's quite a question. Who is allowed to live close to God? Who can come into His house? Back in David's time, this meant: who could enter the temple, the place where God's presence was?

Then the answer comes. Not with complicated religious rules or sacrifices. No, it's much simpler and deeper. It says:

• "The one who lives honestly and does what is right, who speaks the truth from the heart."
• "Who doesn't speak badly about others, or harm people, or gossip."
• "Who rejects evil people but respects those who honor God."
• "Who keeps their promises, even when it's hard."
• "Who doesn't lend money for profit or accept bribes against the innocent."

These are everyday things. But they say everything about your character.

God doesn't look for perfect people, but for real people. People who are honest, faithful, trustworthy. People who don't talk behind someone's back. People who keep their word, even when it costs them. People who don't give in to money or pressure, but do what's right even when no one is watching.

And then Psalm 15 ends with this line:

"Whoever lives like this will never be shaken."

That doesn't mean life will always be easy. But it does mean that when you live with integrity, with a pure heart, you'll stand strong. You have a solid foundation. You're close to God. And that's exactly where you belong.