Resolved To Live God’s Way
BRD REFLECTIONS
Ephesians 4:17-32; 5:1-20 and Psalm 101 (NIV)
(Joyce Lo, Zone 4A Leader, Small Group Ministry)
READ:
Psalm 101 (ESV)
OBSERVE:
Psalm 101 was written by David, most likely just after he became the King of Israel. In this psalm, David purposed to guard his own heart and to protect the nation from the influences of evil. He resolved to live in godliness and be God’s kind of king. Hence, in Psalm 101, we have an example of what it looks like to be committed and resolved to live according to God’s ways. Even though David was given power and authority to rule, he continued to seek God’s guidance, mercy and wisdom.
APPLY:
Verse 3 is a good place to start right as it says, “I will not set before my eyes anything that is worthless.” I must be diligent to see what temptations in my life that I am most prone to can lead me astray. Then in verses 4-5, “A perverse heart shall be far from me; I will know nothing of evil. Whoever slanders his neighbour secretly I will destroy. Whoever has a haughty look and an arrogant heart I will not endure.” This is an example for me to be like David, who took a strong stance against any form of evil in his life and even vowed to destroy and repent of any forms of sins. I am reminded of the important truth that “God resists the proud…” (James 4:6 and 1 Peter 5:5), so I am mindful to put down my pride each time I am tempted and to ask God to keep me humble.
Next step is in verse 6, “I will look with favour on the faithful in the land, that they may dwell with me; he who walks in the way that is blameless shall minister to me.” This is good advice from David to be surrounded by godly people, and to search for people who are faithful to the Lord. And not only to find them, but to allow them to speak into my life and minister to me. Most of all, in verses 7-8, “No one who practices deceit shall dwell in my house; no one who utters lies shall continue before my eyes. Morning by morning I will destroy all the wicked in the land, cutting off all the evildoers from the city of the Lord.” Likewise, I will also watch myself and depart from any ungodly people, and refuse to be influenced by people who do not walk faithfully with the Lord.
Finally, in verse 8, “Morning by morning I will destroy all the wicked in the land, cutting off all the evildoers from the city of the Lord.” David’s resolution is what I will identify with; to do the right thing and make the right decisions in my daily walk with God by seeking His wisdom and understanding. Just as David Guzik wrote in his commentary, “Power often exposes the flaws of character, if it does not actually help create them.” So I need to be mindful of my walk with God when I am entrusted with power to lead His people. In my area of work, it is common to see how people in authority can abuse their position to win over business and even prosper. However, God is our good Lord, who is just and mighty, and He will keep us safe (Psalm 37:1-7).
DO:
Psalm 101 is a great resolution to follow. However, at the same time, it reminded me of my shortcomings and sin that wars against me; the difficult relationships I have and my inability to serve the Lord well. But because of His work on the cross, God redeemed me and made me new. Hence I will look forward with a resolve to cultivate a godly life through the power of Jesus Christ, who is the author and perfecter of my faith!
PRAY:
Dear Abba Father, I pray for your protection from the evil ones who seek to destroy my life and my works. I will seek your wisdom, asking for your mercy and grace to strengthen my faith to walk in godliness daily; growing from faith to faith, from strength to strength, to bring you glory all the days of my life. Amen!
