We've spent considerable time discussing that righteousness comes through trusting God and not ourselves. Then, today, we take what seems like an abrupt shift as David asks "who may dwell with the Lord?" and begins to describe a life of integrity, truthfulness, and neighborly love. If we aren't paying attention, it might seem like we've moved from faith back to a world of performance. But that's not what's happening.

At this stage we must be careful not to get caught up in the weeds of our modern thinking. Psalm 15 isn't contradicting Genesis 15 or Romans 4. What it does do it paint for us a picture of the kind of heart this covenant faith produces. I like to say "being a follower of Jesus means more than making a profession of faith." And Psalm 15 bears that out. The heart of faith is a changed heart. Those who believe God, like Abraham, begin to walk in a different way. Not perfection, not sinlessness, but rooted. A righteous life is the fruit.

The person David describes speaks truth from a caring heart, refuses to slander others, keeps commitments even, and most especially, when it hurts. We see a heart that is not for sale to the highest bidder of injustice. It's a picture of a life being molded and shaped by nearness to Him.

Who can dwell on God's holy mountain? A person whose inner life, transformed by Jesus, is brought into alignment with their outer one. Biblical faith is never merely intillectual agreement or mental ascent. It is a relational trust which continually shapes the heart. Claiming to believe in and trust in God while clinging to deceit, manipulation, cruelty, and compromise indicates something has gone woefully awry at the basic level of faith. Faith doesn't make holiness unnecessary, it makes it possible.

Day 1 declared a promise had been given. Day 2 opened our eyes to the immense Grace beneath it. Today, we see what that Grace looks like in the every day life of the true believer. Yes, righteousness is credited by faith, the righteousness of Jesus, in fact. But a saving faith that receives it also must learn to love truth, pursue integrity, and walk in a healthy fear of the Lord.

I love the way the Psalm ends. It says the one who does these things "will never be shaken." Covenant faith doesn't mean a trouble free life, it means a heart being daily formed by trust in God, even when the winds seem to blow in the opposite direction.

In what areas of your inner iife, the ones you don't like to talk about at parties, is God pressing you towards greater truthfulness and integrity? How could this deep trust in God begin to reshape the way you speak, respond, relate, think, and feel towards others?

Dear Lord, I'm overwhelmed that your Grace forgives me but also forms me. Look into the deep parts of my heart and make me truthful in the hidden places. Shape my words, my loyalties, my allegiances, and my conduct so my life reflects the faith I confess to have in you. Amen.