O LORD, who shall dwell in your tent? Who shall dwell on your holy hill? He who walks blamelessly and does what is right and speaks truth in his heart...

   - Psalm 15.1, 2

Therefore whoever wishes to be made God’s dwelling-place, should strive to make himself humble and peaceable, that he may be known to be God’s servant, not by his greed for talk and pliability of mien, but by the reality of his lowliness; for goodness of heart requires no false unction of talk.

   - Columbanus, Sermon II, Irish, 7th century

They in whom the Lord has come to dwell cannot help but be transformed by that divine invasion. He came as a servant to die to Himself, and He will also affect the hearts and minds of those in whom He dwells, so that they, too, will take up the towel and basin as their daily tools of trade.

In the world it’s all about me – “I, Me, Mine,” as the Beatles once sang. Every situation, every role or relationship, is for the worldly-minded an arena in which to garner the spotlight and be the focus of everyone else’s attention and energy.

Not so among the followers of Christ. True humility and peaceableness require that we seek the good of others, and make ourselves lower than others for the purpose of lifting them up.

The Law of God – obedience to which leads to blamelessness – teaches us to love our neighbors and guard our hearts against anything that might distract us from the duties of love. If we would dwell with God and be recognized as belonging in His holy court, then let us take up the lifestyle of our Savior and follow in His footsteps, seeking what is best for others and how we may serve them.

Right and true living will find us serving others in the Name of Jesus, so that they might see in us the One Whose sacrifice and love serves their deepest and most eternal needs.

To whom is Jesus sending you today, to wash their feet, bear their burden, hurt for their hurt, or speak to their souls?

Psalm 15.1, 2, 4 (Arlington: “This Is the Day the Lord Has Made”)
Lord, who may dwell within Your tent, or on Your holy hill?
All those who do Your covenant and walk within Your will.

All they who keep their word in faith, though suffering should ensue,
Shall know the favor of God’s grace, His presence ever true.

Lord, let me know Your presence with me today, and make me willing and able to serve others with Your love.