In a world where wrong is called right

We live in a world now where wrong is called right.

Where people think the greatest happiness is in living as they desire.

Where things that were once called sinful are now celebrated.

The scary thing is that many in the church are falling into that trap.

But look at the attitude of David.

How happy are those whose way is blameless,
who walk according to the LORD’s instruction!

Happy are those who keep his decrees
and seek him with all their heart. (Psalm 119:1-2)

David doesn’t say, “Happy are those who live as they wish (just so long as they’re not hurting anyone else).”

He says, “Happy are those whose ways is blameless.”

What is his definition of blameless?

It’s those who walk according to the Lord’s instruction. Who seek the Lord with all their heart.

And there is no way to separate “seeking the Lord with all your heart” from keeping his decrees.

Many people say, “I love the Lord!” But when it comes to keeping his word, they say, “Well, that part is not relevant to me.”

To be sure, there are commandments in the Old Testament that are not directly relevant to us in that Jesus and the apostles specifically tell us they are not (Mark 7:14-19, Colossians 2:16-17, Hebrews 9-10 are some examples).

Even in the Old Testament itself, God would sometimes say, “this is unclean for you.” Not, “This is unclean or sinful.” But “This is unclean…for you.” (See Leviticus 11).

The implication being that it was okay for other nations, but not for the Israelites.

God gave the Israelites certain commandments that they were to keep as a sign that they were different from other peoples, as a sign that God was separating the Israelites for himself.

But there were things that God clearly said were evil for all people. (See Leviticus 18).

But when many people say, “That part is not relevant to me,” they don’t mean what I’ve just laid out.

They mean, “I don’t agree with God’s word, and so I’m just going to live how I want.”

And they (and unfortunately their churches) follow the wave the culture is on.

But look at what David said.

How can a young man keep his way pure? (Psalm 119:9a)

How? By following the cultural wave? No.

By keeping your word. (9b)

More than that, David treasured God’s word (11).

David proclaimed God’s word (13).

David rejoiced in God’s word (14).

David meditated on God’s word (15).

David delighted on God’s word (16).

How about you? Is that your attitude toward God’s word?

If it isn’t, you need to take a close look at whether you truly are a Christian or not.

How do you see God’s word?