Never Shaken

Psalm 15:1-5 In considering all the items in the Psalm, we are not talking about receiving salvation. Our salvation comes only through faith in the finished work of Christ on the cross. Ephesians 2:8-9 tells us, “For it is by grace are you have been saved, through faith — and that not from yourselves, it is the gift of God — not by works so that one can boast.” But once we have received Christ, then there needs to be a change in our character. The items in the Psalm give us a clue as to the character of God and what is required to be on the same page with Him. It can be used as a check list to evaluate how we are doing and to reveal what things need work. We have been declared righteous and blameless through our faith in the blood of Christ, but in our actual day to day, moment by moment experiences, at the end of the day inventory, what accusations could be leveled against us. It talks about speaking the truth from our heart. Facts can be arranged and spun so that advantages can be stacked in one direction or another; but in our hearts we know what the truth is. Even this truth in our hearts must not be used to harm or slander others. A vile man (verse 4) is one who is immoral or wicked by choice — there should be no association. One of the most difficult verses in the psalm is in, “keeps his oath even when it hurts,” Our word and promises are important. It seems all too easy for us to say, "I made a mistake.” or “I shouldn't have said that.” or “Sorry about that.” The one who wishes to spend intimate time with God needs to take the words he utters very seriously and to do what he says he will do even if it hurts. We are not to take financial advantage against our brothers and sisters. If we pay attention to the items of the Psalm, we can fill in the voids in our armor and when the test comes, we will not be shaken.