Rooted in the Right Place

Psalm 1:1

How happy is the one who does not walk in the advice of the wicked or stand in the pathway with sinners or sit in the company of mockers! (Psalm 1:1 CSB)
When King David penned the words we read in Psalm 1, he was contrasting between two ways of life; one that is rooted in God, and the other rooted in the world. As we look closer at his words we notice a progression: walk – sit – stand.

• When we walk in the advice of the wicked, it leads to adopting a mindset. Paul urges us, in Romans 12:2 (CSB – emphasis added) Do NOT be conformed to this age, BUT be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.
• When we stand in the pathway with sinners, it means we are embracing a lifestyle. When Jesus called out to the disciples, “Follow Me” He was inviting them into a lifestyle in which we experience spiritual transformation through a relationship with Him.
• By sitting in the company of mockers is to indicate belonging to an identity. Paul writes in his letter to the Galatians; I have been crucified with Christ, and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. (Galatians 2:20 CSB – emphasis added). In saying this, Paul claims that his identity is now in Christ, who willingly gave His life for all.

When a leaf falls off the tree and into the river, it never stays in one place; it begins to drift, being moved by the current of the river. Sin affects us pretty much the same way. We don’t wake up one day and choose to walk away from God; it generally happens gradually, through repeated choices. As we walk through this world, we ARE going to be influenced. Happiness doesn’t come by what you achieve, it comes by what you choose; or more importantly, by WHO you choose to stand with, who you listen to, and who you delight in. Today is the day for you to choose whom you will serve. (Joshua 24:15 VOICE)