7 Character Qualities of a Person Who Is Close to God
Women Living Well is all about being in God’s Word. There is power in meeting with God early in the morning. But being close to God is about more than just our morning devotions.
We can read and read and read but if we do not apply God’s Word – we will not feel close to God.
Disobedience is a barrier to closeness.
In Psalm 15, David asks – who can be close to the Lord?
O Lord, who shall sojourn in your tent?
Who shall dwell on your holy hill?
(Psalm 15:1)
Then David answered his own question by listing the character qualities of those who have true fellowship with God.
Many call themselves a child of God but by the way they live their lives, they deny him.
These are the 7 Character Qualities of a Person Who Is Close to God:
(Based on Psalm 15)
1.) He walks blamelessly and does what is right. (v.2)
A person who is close to God tries to live a blameless life. A blameless person is a person who is innocent of wrong doing and who seeks to do what is right in the eyes of everyone, including God.
2.) He speaks truth in his heart. (v.2)
A person who is close to God is sincere and true. They can be trusted. They are not a liar and if their heart was under a microscope, you would see that they are an honest person with integrity.
3.) He does not slander with his tongue. (v.3)
A person who is close to God does not tell stories about others that would make them look bad, even if they are true. They know how to control their tongue.
4.) He does no evil to his neighbor or takes up a reproach against his friend.(v.3)
A person who is close to God is kind to all who are near and does not listen to bad talk about their friends.
5.) In his eyes a vile person is despised and instead he honors those who fear the Lord. (v.4)
A person who is close to God honors those with good character. They avoid those who talk behind other people’s backs. Instead, they seek out friendships with those who fear the Lord.
6.) He swears to his own hurt and does not change. (v. 4)
A person who is close to God keeps their promises, even when it hurts them or would cause them to suffer a loss. Their word is their bond and they do not change.
7.) He does not put out his money at interest or take a bribe against the innocent. (v. 5)
A person close to God does not put their personal interest before others and does not allow money to sway the way they treat someone. They act justly no matter what.
Being Close to God is about more than our morning devotions.
It is also about obeying his Word and allowing God to transform us from the inside out.
How does life turn out for this type of person? David writes:
“He who does these things shall never be moved.” (v.5)
They will never ever be moved!
This type of person is safe and secure through the storms of life.
They enjoy fellowship with God and are strong and stable.
They are forever safe and secure.
They are like the wise man who built his house on the rock. When the rain and floods came, the house did not fall.
Matthew 7:24-25:
24 “Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. 25 And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock.
Are you close to God?
How would others answer this question about you?
As we see from Psalm 15, the depth of our relationship with God should be reflected by our kindness to others, the control of our tongue and our integrity.
Timothy Keller writes:
If we deceive, vilify, and flatter, if we make empty promises and overblown claims, we cannot expect God’s presence in our lives. This standard not only challenges us but also reminds us we can go to God only through His grace. No one but Jesus ever lived with perfect integrity but because He is our Savior, we can go in to God. (Hebrews 4:15,16)
Being close to the Lord is about so much more than our morning devotions. These are qualities that God will create in us when we are close to Him. We must apply what we learn in His Word and let God mold and shape our character.
The reward for our obedience and God’s grace – is great! We get to be close to God Almighty – the Maker of the heavens and the earth!
Keep Walking with the King,
**Chime In**
Which of these 7 Character Qualities do you struggle with most?
Thank you Courtney for always helping us to be the best that we can be. I struggle with what to do in a situation where another is gossiping . Should you just walk away abruptly? Should you bring their gossiping to their attention? People seem so quick to voice their options of others without thinking of how it would make the other person feel or how it makes themselves look. Does anyone have a nice way to bring this to someone’s attention? Many times it may be a situation with people who may not be believers, but there are times that it is with people who are believers. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. <3
Hi Jackie, I too struggle with this, I try to excuse myself from the conversation just by saying “excuse me, I’m going to do, check on, find, ‘blank’.” Or if I can’t excuse myself, I just won’t participate in the conversation. And if I do have to add my two cents, I try to keep it godly as possible and not slanderous or mean. As for calling someone out, I usually dont do, if the opportunity arise I’ll say something like, “girl stop gossiping,” in a playful way. I don’t always get it right, so I repent when the Holy Spirit reveals to me that I gossiped about someone or contributed to gossip. I’ll pray that that you find what works best for you during these times. God bless.
I struggle with this too. Gossip is a very hard one. One thing I sometimes do – is if someone is saying something negative about someone – I try to say the opposite and see the good in someone. All of us have positive attributes and negative ones. So I try to focus on the good ones. If you speak up and say – well I like her or I think she has a good heart and doesn’t realize she is coming off that way or something like that – usually the other person stops because you are not joining them in their point of view.
Hope that helps a little,
Courtney
Hi Ladies,
I decided to follow Jesus’s ways. I made of my mind to be obedient to what His word says. I accepted that my journey is not about me but about Gods will for me. I do my very best to keep my eyes on Him concerning my life, concerning the storms He allows me to go through. I spend every moment, even the moments I sleep, desiring to honor Him Boldly and Fearlessly! And Whala!!! I have become a true Woman of God. Not by my Power but by the Power in me. God’s character flows through me . This happens with the condition that I choose to be obedient.
“If anyone loves me he will obey my word.” John 14:15
Thanks for the reminder that it’s our relationship with God that matters and what we do with it towards others.
Kudos to Courtney for this short and sweet study in God’s Word. It is much needed today for Christ followers to not only know, but show that we Children of the most High God. God bless.
Thanks be to God that Jesus has fulfilled this list perfectly, so that when we fail (as sinful humans, we will always fail), we can rest fully in God’s grace. Strive to do these things and then rest in God’s grace.
I struggle with my tongue when it comes to talking about people who have not treated me right or have no knowledge of the truth about what actually happened. As I become stronger in my trust of the Lord and in my relationship with Him, I just let these people go, family included. I realize with Jesus, He is what I need and He guides me. I am practising obedience. God is Great!
Good encouragement thank you!
I have to say I struggle too with a woman on the senior van each week. She and this other woman who used to ride never got along and sometimes she would say remarks about her. I usually kept quiet and listened; maybe next time I will try and say something nice instead.
My tongue. Need to work hard on that. But, there is always hope
Thank you for reminding me that to be close to God is about walk in his Words. I am trying to keep my promises and control my tongue. Holy Spirit help me.
I just want to say thank you for the great encouragement!
I struggle with gossiping. I know I shouldn’t do it. It is a sin! I struggle because the person I gossip about has hurt me, and they have power in the church. So when I talk about “this person”, I do it out of frustration because this person is not approachable. Regarding this situation, I only confide in my husband and 1 other Christian lady.
On 1 hand, I feel the Holy Spirit pricking me in the heart not to talk about it even to these two people. On the other hand, I’m struggling with this strained relationship. I go to these two people for encouragement, because it’s really hard. I want to be free of this problem of gossip. I need encouragement.
Please pray for me, that I will do what pleases God, and that He will give me peace.
Michelle, I love how you describe it as a pricking in the heart by the Holy Spirit. That’s exactly what it feels like!
I too, was convicted from reading Country’s note on Psalm 15 and Psalm 17:3 ” I have resolved that my mouth will not sin.”
I have been through a terrible ordeal with a family member and I see that it was wrong to tell others the details. “Even if its true…, from Courtney” Was a slap in the face. But I needed it. I realize that the root of MY gossip was fear of the other family member slandering me. And what I really wanted was sympathy.
Today is a new day and from this day on, I will resolve that my mouth will not sin. And so grateful for 1 John 1: 9- 2: 2
“If we confess our sins he is faithful and just to forgive us sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. ….we have one who speaks to the Father in our defense- Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. He is the atoning sacrifice.
I can’t think of a specific instance, but im sure there have been times when I compromised my convictions when it meant personal loss regarding finances bc while I can’t remember any specific event, but I remember the sinking feeling I had when I I did it. Sad, but backed into a corner, I dont know if id do it again or not.
I hope and pray I never do it again. Also, it Sounds silly, but Ive also had a tendency to be selfish when it comes to cooking-always saving the best for myself. God’s been dealing with me about it, and I’ve been intentionally giving my son the best when God quickens me-except when I’m really hungry, so I need to eat something before I make our plates so that I’m not overcome by my flesh. Having been on the receiving end of slander most of my life, now, I am very careful about what I say, who I say it to, AND what I listen to, excusing myself from the conversation anytime im faced with it. That being said, I don’t have anyone I feel comfortable sharing with, so occasionally, I end up compromising my convictions and sharing with someone i shouldnt share with, and it always comes back to bite me. Thus, Im considering a counselor for those times I need to share, but shouldn’t share with anyone I know. Based on this list, I’d say I’m close to God, I’m just a work in progress-as we all are. I pray for each and every one who was brave enough to share here, that God will strength our weaknesses, but more than that, continue to transform each of our minds, focusing on what we’re doing right. After all, we may not be where we want to be, but we’re not where we used to be, so let’s focus on enjoying the journey toward a closer relationship with Him! 🙂
Thank you so much for this. I really needed to hear this and be reminded of truth today. God bless!
Praise be to the lord and thank you so much for this article. It has been my eye opener.
I pray for the grace of God to help me learn and habitually get closer and closer to God.
May you be blessed and be filled to overflowing in Jesus’ name.
Irene
Thank alot for the encouragement of been close to GOD. i’m a christain but i’m struggling a particular sin, i have pray for God to remove that spirit from me: masterbution, support me in prayers for God to help restor the Joy of serving him
Praying for you Hb Obeth. Asking our Father to reveal the truth to you, to strengthen you and to bless you.
Thank you very much Courtney for sharing this true word of Christ,
Sometimes I find myself gossiping or participating in gossip but it has been one of my big prayer requests to overcome it completely. I have been using Phil 2:1-5 (Therefore if there is any [a]consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, 2 fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. 3 Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. 4 Let each of you look out not only for his own interests but also for the interests of others. 5 Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus) and also Rom 15:7 (Therefore, accept each other just as Christ has accepted you so that God will be given glory. NLT).
May God help me to live a pure life without gossiping again.
Thank you everyone. Gossip for gossip makes no one better. I need to be better than that. I feared as well, & told someone about the ‘slap in the face’ I got from a family member. When the kids on my school bus swear or tease, I tell them they’re better than that & it shocks them! It’s my turn to be what I preach. From now on I will only tell Jesus how it feels.
Gossip can be death to a relationship, but He can overcome!