How can you tell if a person is a real big fan of a certain sport, perhaps of baseball? Well, he’s likely going to attend a lot of games. He will have a lot of sports channels on his TV, and watch as many games as he can. He’s likely to own some memorabilia, too. How about someone who is fascinated by the 1960’s or 70’s? Again, they likely listen to the music from those decades, own many dvd collections of TV series from then, own some of the popular games, and perhaps even vintage clothing from that era. We can usually tell these people by observing them. The same should be true with a Christian who is living in a close relationship in the presence of the Lord. We should be able to observe certain things. King David highlighted some of these characteristics in our psalm for this week.
First, it is important to note that this psalm is not a list of works that will assure us of heaven. One does not get to heaven by performing certain religious rituals or works, or by doing a lot of good deeds. This psalm gives a description of the righteous person whose life is abiding in God’s presence.
The first characteristic that David gives us of a person who is living righteously in God’s presence is that they walk uprightly (vs. 2). They live a consistent lifestyle of integrity. They have strong moral principles and are honest. They are morally upright people, and actively obey what God says in His Word. They are also scrupulously truthful. When they tell you something, you don’t have to wonder whether their words are the truth, an exaggeration, or a lie. You know it’s the truth! True believers will live out their faith with integrity and truth.
Verse 3 continues by describing this person as one who watches what they say, and will neither do evil nor take up a reproach against their neighbor. Spending time gossiping and slandering others, either behind their back or to their face, is not compatible with a godly person. They will not willingly do anything evil to their neighbor, nor try to stir up strife with them, or do anything dishonorable. A person of integrity refuses to join in such behavior. Instead they show love and restraint in speech and action.
Another characteristic that this psalm of King David describes is that the godly believer with integrity will be careful about who they associate with (vs. 4). They do not want to associate with nor be around a person who continually practices or participates in sinful behavior. They consider such a one as vile. They can discern that such a person will have a negative impact in their life and their work for the Lord, so they choose to not develop a close association with them (I Corinthians 15:33). Instead they honor other fellow believers, those who fear the Lord. Because we tend to emulate those with whom we spend time with, we need to have more Christ-like friends.
We also read in this verse that the godly, righteous believer will swear to their own hurt (vs. 4). When they make a promise to someone, they will keep it, even if it is inconvenient to do so. They will not change their word when once given. They do what they promise, even when it is difficult. We need to follow through on our commitments, even when it hurts. Our word should be our bond.
Verse 5 continues with more characteristics of this godly person who abides in God’s presence. Another one is that they don’t lend money with usury, which is a more antiquated word for charging interest on a loan. Banks and other lending institutions do, but when a Christian lends money to a needy fellow believer they should not ask it back with interest. We should help others generously and unselfishly, and not exploit their hardship. This believer should also not take a bribe against the innocent, especially if they are in some type of legal or political profession. They will not pervert justice for gain.
To develop this lifestyle of one who consistently abides in God’s presence we must formulate beliefs that are based upon Scripture. We must also continually submit to the Lord Jesus. We must also make it a habit to develop relationships with godly people and avoid people who follow the ways of the world.
As mentioned before, these characteristics are not a means of salvation, these are not something that we do in order to be saved. Instead, they are fruits that should be evident in a sanctified life. This psalm is also a call to live a life of separation. A godly Christian will reject the worldly values of unbelievers, and instead honor those who fear the Lord. As we see, God values truthfulness, justice, and faithfulness in every area of our life. As a Christian, we should live in such a way that when people think of honesty and integrity, they will think of us.
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