TODAY’S QUIZ: Does Your Life Honor God?

“A man’s heart determines his speech” Matthew 12: 35. (TLB)

NO! I am not writing about what you put in your mouth—after all, French Fries (in moderation) are one of life’s pleasures. INSTEAD, it’s what COMES OUT OF OUR HEARTS (and sometimes, my heart) that troubles me and matters most—especially to God!

PSALM 15 CHALLENGES ME EVERY TIME I READ IT. IT ASKS ONE QUESTION—

AND ANSWERS WITH FOUR VERSES THAT PACK A PUNCH!

Go through these powerful PRINCIPLES WITH ME. Let them speak to your heart. Let them quiz you as you ask yourself: What is the Holy Spirit saying to me? How does my life measure up?

(I’ve borrowed the summary of each verse (in Bold) from John Maxwell’s Leadership Bible. The comments following them are how the Scriptures spoke to me and what I felt led to share with you.)

The question: “LORD, who may abide, come close, and dwell in your presence?” (v.1-2)

Here are the qualities God expects of us who say we are Christians, followers of Jesus:

The answer:

• Verses 2-3: The person who has integrity and does what is right. The person who is honest and trustworthy. It takes courage, especially today with all the divisions between people with and without faith in Christ, to do what is right. Our standard is God’s Word, His commands, His call to patience, forgiveness, and loving kindness no matter the provocation. Not reacting emotionally because of our different views. We are His, not our own.
• Verse 3: The person who does not gossip, does no harm to others. Gossip is so hard to avoid, and so hard to admit that we are dishonoring God when we speak against one another. Putting another person down, accusing or blaming is to harm their reputation and create negative views of others.

• Verse 4: Speaks out against wrong, honors those who walk in truth, and keeps their word even when it costs them. We are to speak out against what is wrong and harmful to others when we hear it said or done. This is so hard to do, but there are soft, yet honest, words that can and should be said. To be silent, or not show indignation at racist or other kinds of sinful and hurtful language, is to imply we agree. Ask God for courage and wisdom to speak up to defend others who bear the image of God.
• Verse 5: Isn’t greedy to gain at the expense of others, takes no bribes against anyone, is strong and stable. We live in a world that encourages us to think about No. 1, to gain at someone else’s expense, and to do things that dishonor our calling as Christ’s followers just to get ahead in some area of our lives. Don’t sell your integrity and honor and reputation for some earthly gain. Choosing humility, contentment, and trust in God’s promised care will make your life so much more fulfilling. Be strong in the Word, live it out no matter the cost, and you will be a stable example of what God does in a life surrendered to Him.

Think about these things, my friends—and let me hear your thoughts, struggles, and comments.

Blessings from Him who is able to transform our hearts, words, and lives.

Poppy