As a believer in Jesus, I find myself on a never-ending quest to be in the presence of God. The Psalmist meets me in my search, asking, “Who can dwell in your tent?” In other words, “What do the people who dwell and abide with God look like?” He then provides an answer.
Thankfully for most of us who are fresh out of not going to seminary, it doesn’t take mastering impressive religious rituals to abide on His holy mountain. It describes someone whose worship and daily conduct go together and match their profession.
 
The practice of righteousness and pure, truthful speech isn’t fake; this person speaks and acts from the heart. He refuses to slander his neighbor, harm his friend, or exploit the vulnerable. He honors those who fear the Lord and keeps his word even when, and might I say most especially when, it costs him dearly.
 
In 5 short verses, the Psalmist paints us a picture of integrity. Being a person of integrity means living a life that’s not divided into compartments, the sacred and the secular. There’s no place for spiritual profession in one sphere while embracing the wickedness of the human condition in another. Our King isn’t looking for religious activity disconnected from true righteous living.

This week we’ve seen how real Kingdom righteousness goes beyond visible behavior. We’ve been encouraged to treasure God’s word and invite that word to search our hearts and minds. Then, Paul shows us that when Christ’s character is embraced, it comes full circle, breaking out in visible community and obedience.
 
Today’s Psalm isn’t to be seen as a checklist for earning access to God. Jesus is the only truly righteous one who lived in perfect harmony and fellowship with the Father. It’s only through Him we are welcomed into God’s presence.

The Grace that welcomes us with open arms also works to transform us into the Image of the Son. We don’t practice integrity so God will be persuaded to accept us; we pursue it because He has brought us near to Himself and we are His.
 
I read somewhere that worship isn’t only music; it’s keeping a promise it would be easier to break. It’s refusing to repeat a harmful story when we would benefit from its telling. There are a million ways every day we can worship the King through obeying His Word and surrendering our whole life to Him.

Take a few minutes to look deep inside your own heart. Where do you find a separation between how you worship and how you treat others … especially the others who don’t like you or actually persecute you? What decisions are you currently facing that require unashamed integrity?

Father, today I’m so grateful you’ve brought me near through Jesus. Keep my worship pure and keep me from becoming distant from the actions of my life. Build integrity in both the hidden and the visible parts of my life. Let my entire life become worship before you. Amen.

“Because You have brought me near, Lord, let __________________ become my worship.”