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Psalm 15 captured my attention most recently and gave another "light bulb" moment which has focussed me to meditate on character development of the righteous kind. Perhaps when we repetitively react to circumstances poorly with less than ideal responses then we can see that change is definitely required. As we nurses say…STAT…required immediately, now, straight away, do not delay! Why are some things so hard to change in our character? Maybe this starts in our youth, in those tender years when we are like thirsty sponges absorbing as much as we can in order to be just like our loving parents. There are many things for which I am most grateful for being taught as a child such as good manners by giving my seat on the bus to elders (anyone older than me), being thankful, polite, considerate, conscientious, working hard and to the very best of my ability as it is written in Ecclesiastes 9:10. The importance of being on time or a little early out of respect and consideration for others, wise with time by ensuring that only when all my designated homework, outdoor and indoor chores have been done, then leisure pursuits are permissible. Sending thank you cards or notes to others, maintaining a tidy bedroom each day before going to school, as well as all the household skills learnt that have been most helpful throughout my life, are just a few of the good teachings provided.
However, in addition to this good foundation there were still some things that needed changing, yet this was not obvious to me until beginning a relationship with my heavenly Father when He called me out of the world, and the learning still continues. For nearly 50 years my life was not a righteous one and there were glaring issues to deal with — many of these required hard trials for which lessons were learnt. One thing has become rather apparent, and that is, if the matter at hand is a huge problem or a very serious one then it does get dealt with and pronto with much effort given. If it is a smaller matter then it seems to be either put to one side, or takes a lot longer to overcome. One of these such matters is how unexpected or sudden issues crop up without warning requiring a verbal response from me. Of course the desire is there to react well but responses can range from shock, disgust, even anger and verbal retorts which would be best left unsaid. While bad language is not used the content leaves a lot to be desired, and afterwards upon reflection invariably my thoughts are "I wish I could have said…" or "Why didn't I say…". Then I beat myself up about it before repenting to God.
Change is required because, instead of reacting, I should measure my response with a healthy dose of self control in patience. The adage "keep it simple" comes to mind. There is a quote that intrigues and interests me from Viktor E. Frankl "We who lived in concentration camps can remember the men who walked through the huts comforting others, giving away their last piece of bread. They may have been few in number, but they offer sufficient proof that everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of the human freedoms – to choose one's attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one's own way.” This is from the following online source: https://www.goodreads.com/author/quotes/2782.Viktor_E_Frankl God indeed has given us free will and when we line this up with God's will to affect change then we are learning to resist and overcome our carnal human nature.
One thing that catches me every time is being accused of things I am not guilty of. This is such a big one for me as taking the blame for a certain naughty sibling who shall remain nameless was hard. I just wanted to be obedient to authority, have peace and a quiet life, but instead and from time to time things would turn ugly as a younger child just seemed to have a predisposition with trouble. This one would turn on the "waterworks" and get away with a lot. Relatives could see through it most of the time and tell me "you are the eldest child so do the right thing, accept the blame and be a good example". Still, it was really tough as I asked myself why should I be blamed for something I didn't do and why should she get away with lying? A sense of injustice and wounded pride permeated my young mind that shouted "this makes no sense to me and is not fair!" After leaving home things did get better but now towards the end of my life in these senior years it seems as if I am being tested and challenged all over again yet from a different angle. When major things happen thankfully I am able to look to the perfect example of Christ who was silent as a lamb when led to the slaughter (Isaiah 53:7). When minor things crop up it is more difficult for me perhaps because of my faulty perception that there is less at stake or the injustice is more bearable?
This leads me to the sound teaching we receive from the Bible. This time Psalm 15 gave me a bit of a jolt or wake up as to what needs to happen. The Psalm is not very long and while a particular verse gave me what was needed it is definitely helpful here to provide God's instruction in full as it all goes together and is important for righteous character development. Psalm 15:1-5 with the title of "The Character of Those Who May Dwell with the Lord, A Psalm of David"..."Lord, who may abide in Your tabernacle? Who may dwell in Your holy hill? He who walks uprightly, and works righteousness, and speaks the truth in his heart; he who does not backbite with his tongue, nor does evil to his neighbour, nor does he take up a reproach against his friend; in whose eyes a vile person is despised, but he honours those who fear the Lord; he who swears to his own hurt and does not change; he who does not put out his money at usury, nor does he take a bribe against the innocent. He who does these things shall never be moved".
If we deeply desire to have a dwelling place for all eternity with GOD then these character qualities are seriously something to aim for and master in order to be like Christ. We must remember that it is more important to have peace with all, esteem others better than ourselves, and not insist on being right, even if others are doing the wrong thing we must still lead by being the best example we can be by emulating the righteous character of Jesus (Hebrews 12:14, Philippians 2:3, 2:14, Ephesians 5:21, Colossians 3:12, 1 Peter 3:8, Romans 12:9-21).
In summary, God's Word makes complete sense, is profoundly simple and easy to understand when reading His teachings and instructions to those who have God's Holy Spirit, known as The Helper. Therefore we must allow the power of God to lead us in the process of correcting behaviour as this is harder to execute, but necessary in order to practice and exercise righteous living no matter the circumstance, and to achieve the final end goal of dwelling in His tabernacle, in His holy hill. This is God's will for us and therefore we need to be willing to change now and stay on course no matter how challenging things may become in the future. May we all work diligently to resist and overcome in order to be ready and perfected for the Kingdom of God. For to this we have been called and it is incredibly exciting. Are you ready for Christ to usher in His soon coming Kingdom? It is imperative that we learn these lessons now so that our responses and our attitudes will be immovable and unshakable no matter how we are treated or spoken to.