June 22, 2017July 25, 2017

The Message of Psalm 15

The Message of Psalm 15

Originally Posted by Mike Young September 2005

Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. Isaiah 40:30-31

Last week, I received a copy of a letter from a young sailor to his dad. In this letter, the son told his father that he had recently been reminded of the good character traits he had observed through time they spent together.  In this letter, he made the following inspiring comments:

  • “Now I am really anxious to get into the Word and focus on being the man God wants me to be, and a Christian gentleman in the Navy. Not just another child.”
  • “I want to be a gentleman of integrity, honor, courage, self control and discipline.”
  • “You have given me the world Dad, and I plan to honor you and God by making the most of it.”

At one point he referenced Psalm 15. I looked it up. Here’s what is says:

Psalm 15 The man who abides with God. (NIV)

  1. A psalm of David. Lord, who may dwell in your sanctuary? Who may live on your holy hill?
  2. He whose walk is blameless and who does what is righteous, who speaks the truth from his heart
  3. and has no slander on his tongue, who does his neighbor no wrong and casts no slur on his fellow man,
  4. who despises a vile man but honors those who fear the Lord, who keeps his oath even when it hurts,
  5. who lends his money without usury and does not accept a bribe against the innocent.
  6. He who does these things will never be shaken.

That’s not a bad standard to live by… Here’s how it’s presented in the Message paraphrase:

 Psalm 15 from The Message

  1. A David psalm. GOD, who gets invited to dinner at your place? How do we get on your guest list?
  2. “Walk straight, act right, tell the truth.
  3. “Don’t hurt your friend, don’t blame your neighbor;
  4. despise the despicable. Keep your word even when it costs you,
  5. make an honest living, never take a bribe.
  6. “You’ll never get blacklisted if you live like this.”

As a father of three rambunctious sons (and a young princess), I desire to live my life in such a way that my children may someday feel an urge to say that they have seen me live out this type of example before them and desire to live this way themselves. But, that won’t happen just because you or I want it to. Living a life like David describes takes diligence, dedication and grounding in God’s Word. Impacting our children like this young man was impacted takes an investment of time, interest and teaching.

Let’s challenge ourselves and other men to live UP to the standards presented in Psalm 15 so our children will know what Godly living looks like. Take time to measure yourself against the checklist David provides for us. Do you need to make any adjustments in your life? Then, find appropriate ways and times to teach and explain these truths to your children.

If they see us soar because we are walking with God, perhaps, like the young sailor, they will follow…

Mike Young
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