Psalm 15 Heart of Worship

Psalm 15 asks the questions:"O Lord, who shall sojourn in your tent? Who shall dwell on your holy hill?" The answer to these questions describes the kind of person that is welcome in God's presence; the kind of worshipper that perks God's interest. Jesus described the kind of worshipper the Father is seeking. In his words:

John 4:23 "But the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worship him. 24 God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.”

 The description of the ideal worshipper highlights heart issues and not form. It goes deep into the motivations and desires of a person. The one who is acceptable in God's presence is one who goes beyond the practice of the Law into the spirit of the Law. Take note of some of the things mentioned: walks blamelessly, does what is right, speaks truth in his heart, does not slander with his tongue, does no evil to his neighbor, does not take a reproach against his friend.

If we take seriously our worship to our God, if we desire to live in his presence, we must strive to be people of character and integrity as described by Psalm 15. Not that we have achieved such status, but that we are striving for it with all our hearts. This psalm is a good mirror for me to take a look at who I really am and evaluate my intentions and motivations in my daily conduct. It cuts through performances and appearances to address the heart.

The person that practices these things with honesty and sincerity, not only enjoys the presence of God in his life, but also has the promise of stability - "shall never be moved." The promise of stability is not only for this life in the here and now, but it is for all eternity.

Father, change my heart to be one who desires to be in your presence more than anything else in life. Transform my motives and desires to match yours so that I may develop character and live a life of integrity with the promise of stability forever. Amen.

Matthew 7:1-6 Judging Others

"Don't judge!" is a favorite quote I use when I don't want people evaluating or scrutinizing my life or that of people close to me. It is usually accompanied by: "God is the only judge." But the statement is not a teaching against discerning what is right and wrong. If we were to withhold our judgment in this life, we would live in anarchy (this may appeal to some people). It is a strong prohibition against what I will call improper judgment. 

Judgment calls for self-examination. It is improper for me to see someone else's fault and not my own. Jesus calls it hypocritical. Also, judgment should move me to help others. It is improper to pronounce final judgment and condemnation (that is God's prerogative) on anyone. My motivation and goal in evaluating or scrutinizing should be to help.

Here is the deal! To be able to help, I have to make sure I am in a position to help. Jesus used an exaggeration to state his point: I can't remove a speck from someone else's eye if I have a log in mine. Imagine trying to remove an eyelash from a friend's eye while having sand in my own eyes - it is impossible! I wouldn't be able to see a thing! I need to have clean eyes to examine and help someone else.

Judgment, scrutiny with the intent to help, must also know its limits. It is improper to go after people who don't want to be helped. Jesus used two images to make this point: giving what is holy to dogs and throwing pearls to pigs. Dogs and pigs, in those days, were scavengers; they fed on refuse. It was a waste to throw valuable things at them. Getting a speck out of an eye requires focus and concentration of both parties. It is hard to do while one is kicking, screaming, and trying to get away. 

Lord, help me be a true brother in the kingdom. May I withhold my judgments if I am not willing to deal with my own flaws. May my motivation in evaluating someone else's life be to help.  Prepare me to help other people when needed. Instruct me when to stop offering my help to those who don't want it.