Friends in Christ Message for October 22, 2005

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Friends in Christ Weekly Message
October 22, 2005

How happy is the one who does not follow the advice of the wicked,
or stand in the pathway with sinners,
or sit in the assembly of arrogant fools!
Instead he finds pleasure in obeying the Lord's commands;
he intently studies his commands day and night.
He is like a tree planted by flowing streams
it yields its fruit at the proper time,
and its leaves never fall off.
He succeeds in everything he attempts.
Psalm 1:1-3 (NET Bible®*)

This passage in the Psalms tells the way to be happy in the Lord in both negative and positive terms. In negative terms, it comes from not taking the counsel of the wicked, not associating with their sinful behavior, and not being part of an assembly of evildoers. The latter could presumably be a criminal gang, an unethical business group, a corrupt political group, a false group of religious leaders pursuing self-aggrandizement, or some other evil group.

In the positive, such a person enjoys doing the will of God and is devoted to the spiritual disciplines. These practices are not occasional, but constant. Such a person is drinking constantly the Living Water. The result can be seen in the fruits of the spirit in the person's life. The positive results of their faithfulness are evident.

To what extent does this describe you? Do you shun the advice of the wicked and avoid collaboration with those who are up to no good? Is doing the will of God your greatest desire? Are you constant in pursuing understanding of how God would have you live? Can others see the fruits of your faithfulness?

Bill Samuel