Strength of Character – Psalm 15:1-2

O Lord, who may abide in Your tent? Who may dwell on Your holy hill?  He who walks with integrity, and works righteousness, and speaks truth in his heart.

Though we may long to stand on the holy hill before the living God, longing is not enough, for only through the transforming power of Christ in a heart yielded to His lordship, dare we step upon it.

We must not approach the holy hill of God thinking we can trifle with Him, for He requires reverent hearts from His people, along with obedient spirits and strong characters.  He requires that we guard our integrity[1] while pursuing faith, moral excellence, self-control, knowledge, brotherly kindness, and love.  Our confidence must not be in human wisdom, but in His grace as we conduct ourselves in holiness and earnestness, as we lay aside pride and personal recognition, so we might glorify Him.[2]  We must cover our activities with honesty and serve Him in sincerity and truth, inviting Him daily to sit on the throne within our hearts, leaving no room for false gods.[3]

As we grow in meekness, humility, and patience, in the same way as our Lord is meek, humble, and patient, we will likewise grow in strength, not weakness, as some might perceive.  For just as Jesus demonstrated His commitment to the Father’s will when He refused to call down the legions of angels at His disposal to protect Him in the garden,[4] so will we emulate Christ when we choose mercy and mildness though we have the ability to retaliate against those who would harm us.

Who can attain the strength of character to withstand the temptation within the world?  Who can have fellowship with the living God, approaching Him with confidence?  We can, but only if we love mercy, walk in righteousness, speak the truth, and cling to our integrity.  Only as we walk with the Lord in faith and allow Him to wash and cleanse us in the sanctifying waters of life, making us pure down to our core, will we be transformed, by the grace of God, into persons of proven character, worthy to go before God.[5]

Although some may think it too difficult or even undesirable, gaining strength of character is a high and honorable pursuit and we will suffer no loss from wrapping our strength in gentleness.  Rather we will delight the Lord, and with Him, our spirits will soar like the eagles as He lifts us to dwell upon the heights where He, the impregnable rock, will be our refuge.[6]

[1] Psalm 26:1

[2] 2 Corinthians 1:12

[3] Joshua 24:14

[4] Matthew 26:53-54

[5] Psalm 51:2

[6] Isaiah 33:15-16