Ps. 15 - 11 Things That Give You Access To God's Presence

I have been meditating on Psalm 15 this morning – Here we find such an interesting perspective on the people who are invited into God’s presence. I’m not sure that we would prioritize some of these qualities in quite the same way,  nor would we list them as attributes that need to be found in those who worship and long to be found in the presence of God! Sure – they are all important, but not necessarily things that spring to mind initially.

Also note that the psalmist begins the psalm with 2 questions and answers with 4 verses – each has 3 components. I know that the verse markings were not originally included in the Bible – but it is always interesting to me to see the symmetry of the poetry:

Psalm 15 (NLT)

1 Who may worship in your sanctuary, Lord?

Who may enter your presence on your holy hill?

2 Those who lead blameless lives

and do what is right,

speaking the truth from sincere hearts.

3 Those who refuse to gossip

or harm their neighbors

or speak evil of their friends.

4 Those who despise flagrant sinners,

and honor the faithful followers of the Lord,

and keep their promises even when it hurts.

5 Those who lend money without charging interest,

and who cannot be bribed to lie about the innocent.


Such people will stand firm forever.

So…here is the list of 11 qualities that need to be found in worshipers:

• Holiness on the inside

• Holiness in our actions

• Always speak the truth

• Don’t gossip

• Don’t hurt your neighbors

• Don’t speak evil of your friends

• Hate sin and those who are blatant sinners

• Honor those who follow God

• Keep your word even if it costs you something

• Be generous and lend without charging interest

• Never take a bribe – especially to lie against the innocent

If you do these 11 things you will never be moved from God’s presence!

If you look at this list again, it really does make sense - these things center around the way we govern our hearts, mouths, attitudes and finances. All these things are important to form the heart of worshipers.