Be Careful With Your Associations and Guard Your Appetite
Psalm 1:1-2, "Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. [2] But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night."
The first psalm begins with a warning concerning our associations. Life is filled with good and evil people. Wrong associations have led to a downfall for many individuals. Proverbs 1:10 sounds the warning, "...If sinners entice thee, consent thou not." Those I counsel through our Reformers Unanimous Ministry often began a downward spiral in life because they chose to make friends with evil people. We counsel them about the importance of choosing to surround ourselves with people who have a love for the Lord. As Steve Currington often taught, "Those who do not love the Lord, will not help you serve the Lord."
This psalm continues by speaking about our appetite. The "blessed" man of Psalm 1:1 has chosen the right associations and also has the right appetite. "But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and in his law doth he meditate day and night." Jesus spoke about the blessing of hungering and thirsting after righteousness (Matthew 5:6) In this second verse it speaks of one who will "meditate day and night." Meditation goes a step beyond memorization. Many spiritual leaders encourage people to simply memorize Scripture, however, I would like to encourage you to take your memorization to the place of meditation. Meditating upon the Word of God will weave the Word into the fabric of your being. The Word needs to be woven into our spirit in order to influence our mind, our emotions, and our will. You and I must develop an appetite for the precious Word of God.
May we chose the right associations and develop an appetite for the Word of God. This formula will bring the joy of the Lord and spiritual prosperity into your life.
Your Friend and HIS,
Pastor Abbott
QUESTIONS TO PONDER
1. Have you or someone you know associated with the wrong kind of people? How did that turn out?
2. Explain why, “Those who do not love the Lord, will not help you serve the Lord” is true?
3. What should you do to control your associations and your appetite?