Being a Faithful Man is Being a Man of Faith.
Anthony Bisotti’s challenging post last week prompted a lot of introspection within me. Thank you Anthony.
However,I have found that I have not engaged in more spiritual disciplines this week, as much as I have looked at Scripture with a different perspective. It would be fair to say I have pondered more, been still more, and in this attitude of mind I approached Psalm 15.
I would like to share some brief reflections as I consider what it means to be a Christian man in today’s world.
David asks, “What does it take to be your friend?”
You asked a critical question, David — I lean in close and eavesdrop as you are given the answer.
This is what I call a spotlight psalm. It only considers one thing:
What does God require?
In five, yes, only 5 verses, we get the answer to this extremely important question. They are power packed with their potency.
There are no surprises here. I will consider this psalm from two aspects.
1. The way of life we know to pursue.
2. The God whose character we know.
The Way of Life we Know to Pursue
· Even in the asking of the question, David knows that in God’s presence there is holiness. He describes God’s dwelling place also as his sanctuary. David is not clueless in what God delights in. His presumptions are revealed in the words he speaks.
· It is interesting that David asks the question. David wants fellowship with God. The marks of being dedication to God are surprising really.
It is shown not with huge acts of courage or valour (as one might expect)— but rather with the simple everyday choices of life. The daily decisions of life are what reveals to others (and proves to ourselves) what kind of people we are.
· This is a mirror of reality which reveals to us the depth of our need. This estrangement from God is real, for who can say their walk is blameless, and the things they do are always righteous?
The God Whose Character we Know
God loves righteousness.
God, who examines the heart, wants his people to love the truth, (as opposed to lies and deceit), love, (as opposed to pride and one-upmanship), to be known for faithfulness, (he keeps his promises, regardless), and kindness, (he treats people with love and respect).
He who does things
Will never be shaken.
Psalm15:5
My Response:
In this world, I cannot do these things consistently, in the way I would like, let alone perfectly, in the way you desire, God.
This morning I am thankful that David, and I also, know that you are a God who forgives, as we come clean and offer ourselves to you and plead for mercy, love and forgiveness. I am so tempted to live with my imperfections, to excuse them by saying “it’s just the way I am”.
Your call to me this morning is to “ascend” — to lift my eyes heavenward and to pursue knowing You as my treasure. Then I will certainly grow in these qualities of life, for being with You, and meditating on Your Word, I will increasingly become like You. Teach me afresh to fear you in a Biblical sense: to hold you in the deepest respect and awe, and to desire your companionship above the companionship of mere mortals.
There is nothing simple about ascending to meet with God, for one must be focused, self disciplined and courageous. Yet there is everything simple in approaching God, for Jesus bids everyone come and to lay their burdens down, and find rest for their souls.
Being a faithful man is being a man of faith. It is about the journey we are undertaking. It is about this moment that we are living. It is about who we are seeking to please in our decisions.
Christian men are living for a certain destiny, to know God.
That is their pursuit. That is their goal.
That in my pursuit- and destiny- and goal!
