Walking, Standing and Sitting 7/2/2013

"How blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, Nor stand in the path of sinners, Nor sit in the seat of scoffers!  But his delight is in the law of the Lord, And in His law he meditates day and night." Psa 1:1-2

Though we are taught not to judge unrighteously, you can tell a lot about a person based on how they spend their time and the company they keep.  It is easy to claim what we are all about, but unless our audio matches our video, all we are engaged in is image management.  Depending on the difference between what can be observed and what actually is, that can be a full time job.

Consider the implied admonition of the Lord.  What is walking but our manner of living?  When we are encouraged to "walk in the light as He is in the light" in 1 Jn 1:7, we are being instructed to live our lives in a godly manner.  We are encouraged to be holy as God is holy.  To walk or live according to the ways of the unrighteous is to walk the path to destruction.  Wickedness is all around us and it is easy to get caught in the current of what society not only approves, but will persecute as it relates to any lack of conformity to its deteriorating norms.

We are also encouraged to be mindful of where we plant our flags.  Our position on certain issues often define us more than anything else.  We must ensure that we are correctly positioned concerning things like abortion, abuse, sexual orientation, fornication, fidelity, gossip, morality and the love of money among many others.  It unfortunately is not unusual for the people of God to allow for positions that are inconsistent with his word.  Where we stand should be determined by looking up rather than down.

And what is it to sit but to be found resting?  By the time we have found our seat, we have found our home.  This is indicative of having chosen a position and course and being content with it.  If we have chosen to be godly, it will manifest itself in all we say, think and do, likewise if we have chosen to be ungodly.  Our walking and standing can land us in the potentially dangerous and permanent arena of sitting.

Beloved, God has promised blessings (the ultimate happiness) for those who avoid unrighteous walking, standing and sitting by being found living according to His law.  This is achieved by applying as much of our attention to His word as we do much lesser pursuits such as watching the news, sports, our favorite television programs or favorite music.  Salvation is found in none of these things, but true blessings are found in living life according to the word of God.  We need not be dragged down by society but must fulfill our mission of raising society up.  This can only be done if we are properly positioned and engaged in proper pursuits ourselves.  He has laid out the path for us.  Let us walk it earnestly.

Committed,

Lee

The Blessedness in Things We Do Not Do-2/23/2012

"How blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, Nor stand in the path of sinners, Nor sit in the seat of scoffers! But his delight is in the law of the Lord, And in His law he meditates day and night." Ps 1:1-2

In Christ, we are to be known both internally and externally as much for the things we do not do as the things we do. Observe the progression of things that lead us away from God.

Walking is our manner of life. It is the combination of things that make us who we are. For example, in Col 1:10, we are encourage to "walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God." The wicked, also called the ungodly, are those who have failed to embrace the Almighty and live according to his word. They are dedicated to walking their own path without seeking the face of He who made us.

Once this path has been taken, ones feet become planted in a sinful life. Since God is not a factor in the lives of the godless, the barometer of morality becomes irrelevant and seeking after the lust of the eye, the lust of the flesh and the pride of life become a pattern and thus, its own way of life.

Once an individual becomes rooted in a way of life, a home is made there. All things are brought in to support the decision and the likelihood of change, though not impossible, is unlikely. Not only do the scornful not embrace God, but actively reject Him. These are the atheists (in word and deed) among us. Not only do they not accept the Great Lover of our souls, they actively oppose (scorn) him.

But all praises to our Father, beloved, who has made a way for us to avoid this reprehensible progression of soul destruction. He has, through the Holy Spirit, given us His word. The more we read, study, concentrate on and live by the words of life, the less likely it is that we would ever need concern ourselves with the slippery slope that leads away from him. This is why the language used regarding the blessedness of those who avoid that walking, standing and sitting is emphatic. What a TREMENDOUS blessing it is to not do such things! Further, it is to be read, "How very blessed is THAT person..." indicating that not everyone avoids the pitfall, but the very fortunate and few who pursue the right path.

Let us always be aware of both the right way and the wrong way. With the grace of God and the constant pursuit of His word, let us be careful to choose the right and enjoy the very blessedness thereof.

Rejoicing in the Lord,
Lee