There is just something about a good list. We see them all the time. Sometimes lists are used to rank items. It could be the Top 10 Basketball Players of all Time, Top 10 Songs of the 90’s, or Top 10 Greatest Movies. Other times we see lists that are used to help people. You may see a list that says, Top 10 Ways to Get Out of Debt or Top 10 Ways to Reduce Stress In Your Life. All we know is that a list is a concise way to give information so that the reader can remember the data. Lists create small snippets of advice to move people to action.
In the book of Psalms, King David writes a rather important list. While the Bible doesn’t mark it down with numbers or bullet points, in Psalm 15, King David gives Ten Standards for Living a Blameless Life.
“Who may worship in your sanctuary, Lord? Who may enter your presence on your holy hill? Those who lead blameless lives and do what is right, speaking the truth from sincere hearts. Those who refuse to gossip or harm their neighbors or speak evil of their friends. Those who despise flagrant sinners, and honor the faithful followers of the Lord, and keep their promises even when it hurts. Those who lend money without charging interest, and who cannot be bribed to lie about the innocent. Such people will stand firm forever.” Psalm 15:1-5
So what are the Top Ten Ways to Lead a Blameless Life?
1. Do what is right.
2. Speak the truth from a sincere heart.
3. Refuse to gossip.
4. Don’t harm your neighbor.
5. Don’t speak evil of your friends.
6. Despise flagrant sinners.
7. Honor the faithful followers of the Lord.
8. Keep your promises even when it hurts.
9. Lend money without charging interest.
10. Don’t be bribed to lie about the innocent.
What does it mean to be blameless? In the Old Testament, being blameless was usually in reference to a lamb for sacrifice that had no blemish or defect. A blameless sacrifice was one that was worthy of being offered to the Lord. In the New Testament, the sacrificial terminology began to reference the followers of Christ in our efforts to live a life that was set apart. Because Christ came as a blameless sacrifice, we now have the position of being blameless through His blood and we strive to have high moral character as we reflect Him to others. King David gives us 10 ways to live a blameless life towards others. As we grow in our relationship with Christ, our interactions and relationships with others should shift. These ten items in King David’s list are ways that others can see a difference in our walk and daily activities. Our words are powerful so speaking the truth, not gossiping, and refusing to speak evil about our friends will give evidence of a changed life. How we interact with other believers and with those who do not believe will also show evidence of our relationship with Christ. These ten items are not easy, but can you imagine the difference in our world if we would live out these ten areas? What if we protected others from harsh words, did what was right, and had actions that left us above reproach? Our world is looking to see if we as Christians are any different than the others in the world. What if we lived out this Top Ten List and truly made a difference!
This blog was written by Amy Carrico: Author of Making Moments Matter Blog
Last Updated on October 6, 2024
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