Read Psalm 15:1–5

While salvation is entirely a work of God—an unconditional commitment on His part to preserve those He has saved (John 10:28-29; Romans 8:28-39; 2 Timothy 1:12)—He gives us a genuine stake in maintaining the quality of our spiritual lives. Those who lead lives of integrity receive something valuable for their faithfulness.

The Promise

...he who does these things will never be shaken. (Psalm 15:5)

The Hebrew term rendered "shaken" is a figure of speech describing great insecurity. Think of a pole used by two people to carry something heavy, wobbling and bobbing up and down with each step. That's the word picture of instability.

Those who bring these areas under the control of the Holy Spirit will enjoy a sense of stability despite the shaky, chaotic world around them. They live stable, solid, dependable lives. They don't wonder if God is angry with them when bad things happen. They don't question the goodness of God or suspect His absence during sorrowful times. They aren't tossed about by the winds and waves of circumstance. Their thinking remains solidly anchored in God's Word, which they obey with consistency.

Perhaps that's why Ben Franklin thought of this person as a gentleman. Such people are rare, indeed. No wonder they aren't easily shaken! Integrity reinforces a life with steel.

Adapted from Charles R. Swindoll, Living the Psalms: Encouragement for the Daily Grind (Brentwood, Tenn.: Worthy Publishing, a division of Worthy Media, Inc., 2012). Copyright © 2012 by Charles R. Swindoll, Inc. All rights are reserved. Used by permission.