Psalm 15

 1Lord, who may dwell in your sacred tent?

Who may live on your holy mountain?

2The one whose walk is blameless,

who does what is righteous,

who speaks the truth from their heart;

3whose tongue utters no slander,

who does no wrong to a neighbor,

and casts no slur on others;

4who despises a vile person

but honors those who fear the Lord;

who keeps an oath even when it hurts,

and does not change their mind;

5who lends money to the poor without interest;

who does not accept a bribe against the innocent.

Whoever does these things

will never be shaken.

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Thoughts: Who can live with God?  How do you get closer to God?  
Behavior is important here.  
Walking the walk, speaking the truth is important.    
Not trying to hurt others- by slandering them, slurring them or cheating them. 

We also get closer to God by not honoring those whose behavior is vile.
This includes the talented, the beautiful, the popular, the well-known.  
Politicians and celebrities who are vile (morally bankrupt- in Hebrew ma'ac= rejecting God's statutes).  In our day, we don't like to reject anyone for their behavior.  There is a danger of spiritual pride in doing so- like the Pharisee who said that he was better than the tax collector.  We should never reject a person for their soul- but for their behavior.  Everyone is valuable before God- but when people do vile things, to not turn the presentation (TV, internet) off, or to say it doesn't matter would be wrong.  Rather, we should seek people to emulate who fear God.  That is people who listen to God and do not go their own way or even rebel against God.  There are many people out there- we choose who to follow.  

Keeping an oath even when it hurts.  This means they are reliable and faithful and you can count on them.  This means they do not betray you for their own interests or even for some policy.  In our day, too many are betrayed when the person realizes that to keep that promise may hurt their pride or pocketbook. 

A person gets closer to God by caring for the poor.  This is a missionary's heart- a heart of compassion.  If you want to get close to God think of those in need- the least, the last, and the lost in your area.  By least last and lost I do not mean ontologically so.  Everyone is valuable in God's eyes.  But these are people who are oppressed, or forgotten, or without hope-meaning-purpose in life. Someone with a heart for missions cares for them- and this is an effort to please and honor God. 
Similarly, not accepting a bribe to condemn the innocent is a matter of integrity.  I know many countries who demand bribes to do anything.  But bribes put those with money ahead of the poor (who cannot bribe).  But here it is not simply accepting bribes that is condemned but also accepting a bribe to hurt people who did nothing wrong.  This is basic stuff- living out loving our neighbor as ourself.  

Such people who have this integrity will not be scared or shaken.  They have a firm moral ground and a deep trust in God.  They are not swayed by money or pride but by what is right.  Such people are deep- meaning that they are not blown about by the wind and waves of the surface, but are steadfast, and close to God (the tabernacle of God and Mt. Zion are visible symbols of God's presence and blessing).  

Behavior is important.  God cares about what we do- that we listen to Him, and value what He values.  

Prayer: Lord, make me a missionary of integrity.  Let me be steadfast in doing good and avoiding or lifting up wrong.