Does the Shoe Fit?
Today’s Verse:
Lord, who shall abide in thy tabernacle? who shall dwell in thy holy hill? ~Psalm 15:1
Does the shoe fit? We use this idiomatic phrase to inquire if what has been said aptly describes us. In our devotion this morning, David is asking a very deep and probing question. He is asking, “Who is the man that qualifies to be in fellowship with God?” What are the requirements for entering into the presence of God? There are many men who proclaim that they are righteous, but what man is there that qualifies to abide in God’s holy presence? Who is the spiritual man?
The spiritual man is known by his capitulation.
By this, I am referring to the submission of the man. Ps. 15:1 starts off with the word “Lord.” Is Jesus Lord over every aspect of our lives? Does He possess the key to every room of our life? Lordship is always the primary criterion of a true spiritual life. When the question of Lordship is settled, everything else falls into place. Is Jesus Lord of your life?
The spiritual man is known by his conduct.
“He that walketh uprightly.” Here is a man who takes the high road in his conduct. His life depicts Biblical obedience. He has established boundaries, and does not venture into areas that will get him in trouble or cause him to be a stumbling block to others. This is a man who is not shadowy, or causing questions in the minds of others. He is upright and honoring to God.
The spiritual man is known by his candor.
“…That speaketh the truth in his heart.” For truth to be evident in our lives, it must be a dominant virtue within us. Where dishonesty, untruthfulness, and deceit lie, that man cannot be trusted. We live in an age where truth decay abounds. Our generation greatly needs men who are men of truth. The absence of truth is the presence of dishonesty.
The spiritual man is known by his conversation.
“He that backbiteth not with his tongue, nor doeth evil to his neighbor, nor taketh up a reproach against his neighbor.” He is a man who is not controlled by sins of speech. He is not making the tearing down of other people his objective. One of David’s biggest struggles was the many people in his kingdom who spoke evil of him, and made him appear to be a vile man. Don’t expect God to receive you into His presence when sins of speech are evident in your life.
The spiritual man is known by his consecration.
“…In whose eyes a vile person is condemned.” He does not consort or fellowship with those whose lives are filthy, defiled, and ungodly. He is not following the counsel of the ungodly, nor standing in the way of sinners, nor sitting in the seat of the scornful. In addition, he is not one who takes advantage of others. He is a man of conviction who would rather suffer in his faith than be accused of being unrighteous.
The spiritual man is a man known for his closeness.
This man abides in God’s tabernacle and holy hill. Not only does this man delight in being in God’s presence, but God Himself is pleased to have this man beforeHim!
True spirituality is a matter of living out a life that is surrendered and set apart for God. There are strict requirements, but when the shoe fits, it is a comfortable fit! Make sure the shoe fits for you!
Have an honorable God morning!
Bible Reading Schedule: Psalm 32-35