1 Oh, the joys of those who do not
follow the advice of the wicked,
or stand around with sinners,
or join in with mockers. (Psalm 1:1 NLT)
The Bible is filled with “If/Then” statements. If you want a certain life, in this case joy, then you must live a certain way – not following wicked, sinners, or mockers. While our behavior is never what earns our salvation or God’s love – for we work from His love not for His love – our actions obviously have consequences and are the biggest factors in our quality of life. I love this passage in particular because it is as practical as it is holy.
Don’t follow the advice of the wicked
These are the ones who will advise you to settle. Cut corners, work sparingly, and look out for yourself over others. The advice seems logical, but our savior is anything but. Who has a voice in your life? Are they worth listening to? We are so easily influenced.
Don’t stand around with sinners
We are called to the world. This includes people who have lifestyles we disagree with. This is Christ-like. Yet to “stand around” indicates something different. It is an inactive, stagnant approach to life with those who have opposing values. You become who you surround yourselves with. Be careful of who you stand around with.
Don’t join in with mockers
People love to talk. The reason we mock is because of our own insecurities. I have never seen someone who regularly gossips who I envy as joyful. We mock to elevate ourselves. This is often hidden in the church as spiritual. Whether it be in life group or prayer circles, some of the most damning mockers are within the walls of the Church. The Lord never mocked but was often mocked himself. This may be the most insidious and rampant sin in the Church today.
Today, where is your joy? There is a direct correlation between your joy and these three areas. Be weird today. Live differently.
Matt simon blog 