Psalms 1 begins “Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful” (Psa 1:1 KJV). Notice that he is blessed already because he doesn’t do those things. It’s not talking about after you die and go to Heaven, but right here and right now!
But why would anyone walk “in the counsel of the ungodly” when they have access to the WORD of GOD? Are they deceived or misguided, do they have another motivation, or are they not free from their old life? That’s why you must be “transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God” (Rom 12:2 KJV). You don’t want to be led by the “blind leaders” because “if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch” (Mat 15:14 KJV).
It’s hard to understand why Christians would stand “in the way of sinners” when they have been set free from. Maybe they took their salvation for granted and played with the fire of temptation? Paul told Timothy “Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart” (2 Tim 2:22 KJV) which means you should run away from sin and pursue good works, with people who have a good heart.
We don’t have to go far to see people sitting in the seat of the scornful. That problem is in the Church. Though we declare that we are covered by grace, we tear down other believers who fail. Is that loving GOD with our all or loving our neighbor as ourselves (Mat 22:37, 39)? People will even criticize Pastors, when GOD plainly said, “Touch not mine anointed” (Psa 105:15 KJV)! “Who art thou that judgest another man’s servant? to his own master he standeth or falleth. Yea, he shall be holden up: for God is able to make him stand” (Rom 14:4 KJV).
But we are under grace. Yes “by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast” (Eph 2:8-9 KJV) but as our Pastor keeps saying, JESUS will save your soul, but sin still has consequences. Those consequences are also here and now and if you continue in sin, you may turn away from GOD.
Psalms 1 ends up saying you will be “like the chaff which the wind driveth away. Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous. For the LORD knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish” (Psa 1:4-6 KJV).
So “choose you this day whom ye will serve” (Josh 24:15 KJV) and renew your mind with GOD’s WORD and walk in the power of the HOLY SPIRIT, so instead of the consequences, you will have the blessings of GOD!
Wayne Lance (2023) – That’s Good News to Share!