Daily Devotionals
Daily Devotional: Psalms 1:1-6 # 2
Ps 1:1-6
Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers. The wicked are not so but are like chaff that the wind drives away. Therefore, the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous; for the Lord knows the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish.
1 Cor 15:33-34
Do not be deceived: “Bad company ruins good morals.” Wake up from your drunken stupor, as is right, and do not go on sinning. For some have no knowledge of God. I say this to your shame.
As has often been pointed out, the person in our Psalm who is considered as being blessed is not walking with the wicked, does not stand with sinners, nor does he sit with scoffers. It is inevitable for us to be around people who do not love the Lord and therefore do not serve him. Jesus associated with sinners, but they were not his best friends or constant companions. He took every opportunity to teach those who were lost and who would listen, and we should do the same.
But we must choose our friends carefully. It is no accident that Paul began his admonition with “do not be deceived”. It is true that we can (and should) be a good influence on others, and there are lots of stories where people have come to the Lord because of this good influence. Yet, more often than not, the bad of others rubs off more easily than the good. I can give an abundance of people that I have known that have allowed bad companions to shape their lives, ending in prison, death, homelessness, and countless family problems.
This is not just for teenagers. Bad company ruins good morals of adults as much, and sometimes even more. When we are working with ungodly people forty or fifty hours a week (which we may not be able to change), they will influence us. If we make these people our best friends away from work, we too often become more like them, or even become involved with them in their ungodliness.
O Lord God, give me wisdom to choose friends who share my love for you and for your word. Help me make Jesus my best friend and imitate his example. Give me wisdom to choose companions here on earth that will lead me closer to you and not the ones who will lead me away or distract me from following Jesus. Open my eyes to see the opportunities you give me to teach others, to lead them to follow Jesus, and to encourage those who are struggling. In Jesus’ name.
Robert
Note: There will be no more devotionals until sometime in January. I wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
