Psalm 15:1-5
A former president of Moody Bible Institute, Joseph Stowell, was visiting with a consultant to some of the largest companies in the country. In the course of the conversation, Dr. Stowell asked the man about quality control. He thought he might gain some beneficial insight since ministry is a form of human quality control. The answer he received was not what he expected. The man replied, “In quality control, we are not concerned about the product. We are concerned about the process. If the process is right, the product is guaranteed.”
Although the insight was not what he expected, Dr. Stowell received a much more valuable lesson. It is a very simple and relevant lesson. We often want to see the products of righteousness but fail to remember that if we do not give attention to the process we will not receive the product. It is essential for us to live carefully each day, continually seeking to know how we can better please the Lord. That is the process. It is not something we do only when others are watching. It is not something we only do on Sundays, Wednesday nights or during revival campaigns. It is a moment by moment walk with the Lord. The Psalmist said, “Who shall dwell in thy holy hill?” Verse 2 summarized the process. It is an upright walk, a daily work of righteousness, and speaking only truth from the heart.
By Dr. Gayle Woods