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An Unshakable Life
By: Tom Norvell
Vol. 13 No. 15 | April 12, 2010
Do you ever wish your life had less drama? Do you ever wish you could get through a week without feeling like you were on the brink of a disaster? Do you ever wonder if there is an easier way, a calmer way, and a more stable way to live your life? Do you ever wish you could know for certain that when your time on this earth comes to end that you are going to be okay?
What if I told you that I know how you can live in such a way that would guarantee that your life is going to turn out well? What if I told you that you could know that when you reach the end of you life you will be safe and secure? What if I told you that I could give you a list of things that you could do that would insure you that your life will be unshakable? Would you be interested in a list like that? Would that be a list you might hang on your refrigerator?
Well, get a magnet and clean off a spot on fridge. I have what you are looking for. Actually, David wrote it and gave it to us all in Psalm 15.
First, he asks the same question we want to ask:
Lord, who may dwell in your sanctuary?
Who may live on your holy hill?
In the Amplified Bible it says:
Lord, who shall dwell [temporarily] in Your tabernacle? Who shall dwell [permanently] on Your holy hill?
We might say it this way: "Lord, who gets to spend time with You? What does it take to be able to dwell with You forever? Who's going to make it?"
Then, he gives the answer:
He whose walk is blameless
and who does what is righteous,
who speaks the truth from his heart
and has no slander on his tongue,
who does his neighbor no wrong
and casts no slur on his fellowman,
who despises a vile man
but honors those who fear the LORD,
who keeps his oath
even when it hurts,
who lends his money without usury
and does not accept a bribe against the innocent.
He who does these things
will never be shaken.
If that sounds too complicated, then notice how it reads in the Contemporary English Version:
Only those who obey God
and do as they should.
They speak the truth
and don't spread gossip;
they treat others fairly
and don't say cruel things.
They hate worthless people,
but show respect for all
who worship the LORD.
And they keep their promises,
no matter what the cost.
They lend their money
without charging interest,
and they don't take bribes
to hurt the innocent.
Those who do these things
will always stand firm.
Still having difficulty with what it takes? Maybe the simple and straightforward style ofThe Message will help:
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.
Here's the promised result: "He who does these things will never be shaken." (NIV) "You'll never get blacklisted if you live like this." (The Message)
I can do that. You can do that. It's not that complicated. It's not that difficult.
So, the question is, "Will I?" "Will you?"
Tom
© Copyright 2010 Tom Norvell. All rights reserved.
