Be Careful Where You Walk – Stand – Sit

“Blessed is the man Who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, Nor stands in the path of sinners, Nor sits in the seat of the scornful; But his delight is in the law of the Lord, And in His law he meditates day and night. He shall be like a tree Planted by the rivers of water, That brings forth its fruit in its season, Whose leaf also shall not wither; And whatever he does shall prosper.” – Psalm 1:1-3

I have a picture hanging right about my computer monitor.  It is a picture of a man having a conversation with Jesus.  Under the picture is the quote from Psalm 1:1.  I want that picture in my view everyday when I begin my day – keeping my focus on God and my faith. It is so easy for us to put the world in front of us – let it occupy our thinking and our doing. Walking – standing – sitting.  That is the progression of embracing the carnal life.  It is possible to be around the ungodly, sinners, the scornful without becoming like them.  The problem is that when we are not strong in our faith – keeping God in full view – we, one step at a time, – find ourselves lingering and eventually finding a seat amongst them.

There is a book written by Watchman Nee “Sit, Walk, Stand” based upon Ephesians but reflective of Psalm 1. “The Christian life consists of sitting with Christ, walking by him and standing in him. We begin our spiritual life by resting in the finished work of the Lord Jesus. That rest is the source of our strength or a consistent and unfaltering walk in the world.” (Watchman Nee, Sit Walk Stand, 1957)

Do you love the Word of God? Reading it is like have a conversation with the Lord. 

“… do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may prosper wherever you go. This Book of the Law [the Bible] shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” – Joshua 1:7-9

Let me emphasize a word used in the verses in Joshua – “Shall.”  The use of the term ‘Shall’ in contracts, [think of God’s covenant with us as being a contract] reflects the seriousness of the obligation or duty in that it is like a command, mandatory or imperative. In contrast to the word – “Will.” Will is used in contracts to refer to a future event or action. It does not impose an obligation or duty. My point is that your devotion to the Word of God is not a suggestion – it is a command – mandatory – Imperative. Why is it so important to the Christian life – your life?  “You shall meditate on the Word.” Versus “I will try to read the Bible more.” The word of God is critical to our spiritual well-being.  I will leave you with two verses to think about and pray about.

“Your word I have hidden in my heart, That I might not sin against You’” – Psalm 119:11

“All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.” – 2 Timothy 3:16-17

By Faith Alone By His Grace Alone And For His Glory Alone