Psalm 15
“God, who gets invited 
to dinner at your place? 
How do we get on your guest list? 

“Walk straight, 
act right, 
tell the truth. 

“Don’t hurt your friend, 
don’t blame your neighbor; 
despise the despicable. 

“Keep your word even when it costs you, 
make an honest living, 
never take a bribe. 

“You’ll never get blacklisted if you live like this.”
(MSG)

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Here are several mindset shifts. This psalm is less of a heavenly To-Do List and more of a declaration of a settled disposition. 

These are not strategies for getting into heaven or for maneuvering ourselves closer to Jesus at the Marriage Supper of the Lamb. 

These simple stanzas declare who wants to be there. People who obey God’s commands and let God lead them through life’s events and seasons are welcomed to God’s banquet. 

This psalm provides a good checklist for daily living. It’s a good morning and evening meditation. Walk through the verses at the beginning of the day with an “I will” disposition. Finish the day by evaluating how closely your life matched your intentions. 

Consider these helpful questions as you close out your day:
* What went right?
* What went wrong?
* What was confused?
* What is missing?
* (Thank you, Tom Paterson, for these great questions. See his book Living the Life You Were Meant to Live.)

Like Ben Franklin and his daily list of virtues, we can enjoy Spirit-empowered self-improvement. We can become more like Jesus. We can live lives that honor God and serve others. 

How did you exude God’s character yesterday?

What are your intentions for adhering to his simple instructions today?

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I will “Walk straight, act right, tell the truth.”

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Our Father, empower me to live according to the guidance and intentions of this psalm. Thank you for simple instructions and tools for planning and evaluation. Enrich my walk with you, and make me a blessing to others. Amen.