S)"3 I will set no worthless thing before my eyes;
I hate the work of those who fall away;
It shall not fasten its grip on me."
Psalm 101:3 (NASB)
O) This verse has 3 lines which work almost like a progression of phases. First, David sets the definition to say that the worthless things. Some translations use the word "vile" but I like this translation more because I feel it's more inclusive and less subjective. What may be vile to one person may seem pretty tame to another person, but it's hard to argue value for something when it's truly worthless. Second, David reitterates the reason behind this, stating that these worthless things are what cause people to fall away. These worthless things are the problem, but the people. It's a reminder that the practice of unrighteousness is the problem that causes us to fall away. With regard to others, we shouldn't hate the people, just the unrighteous works. Third, David makes his assertion that he will not conform to unrighteous behavior. Sin is attractive to our flesh because it feels good, despite the consequences (both physical and spiritual). Whatever the sin is, it feels almost literal in the way it grips us, but David has set himself firmly against that pull, that grip.
A) This application is pretty straightforward. I need to carefully, continually evaluate what I am watching, seeing, hearing... temptations pop up all of the place and in various ways. Some are obvious, some are less obvious, so I need to be on my guard. I need to remind myself that all sin is vile, and that the work of unrighteousness, in any form, causes a falling away between me and God. This makes it especially important that I am walking in repentance constantly, clearing away anything that would stand between me and the LORD. This all amounts to a perpetual determination to refuse sin to become seeded in me.
P) Father, You are holy and You deserve a holy servant. You call me to be righteous as You are righteous, but I am grateful that You also provide me the ability, the strength through grace, to be able to live up to Your holy standard. Forgive me of my sins. Holy Spirit, search my heart and reveal any sins that were hidden to me. Cleanse me and refresh my soul. No vile thing will grip me. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
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