Living in certain families requires each to do their part. Each family member must clean their room. Someone is responsible for mowing, cleaning up after meals, etc.
The singer of Israel lets us know there are certain things one must do to live with God as well. He begins with a question and continues with a simple, but clear, explanation. “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 neighbor, Nor does he take up a reproach against his friend” (Psalm 15:1-3).
Walking uprightly is living without sin to one’s charge. Everyone sins, but those dwelling with God are quick to confess their wrongs (1 John 1:9). Rather than grumbling, they live blameless lives for the world to see (Philippians 2:14-16).
Working righteousness is living as directed by God’s word. Noah followed God’s directions, demonstrating that the people of the world could have done right, thereby condemning them (Hebrews 11:7; Genesis 6:22).
The central thought of people who would live with God is truth. David says God desires his people to have truth in their hearts (Psalm 51:6). Truth is the means of being made holy (John 17:17). God only lives with those who come out of the sinful world, remaining separate from it (2 Corinthians 6:17-18).
Those who would live with God guard their words. They will ask what they would want to be said about themselves if in the same situation as their brother (Matthew 7:12). They will not talk in a way that would shame someone else (2 Corinthians 12:20).
Christians are members of God’s family (1 Timothy 3:15). If we want to dwell with him in the eternal home, we will strive to think, talk and act like our Father.
Gary Hampton