Be Careful How You Walk

Psalm 1:1 - How blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, nor stand in the path of sinners, nor sit in the seat of scoffers!

The implication in this text is that there are two kinds of people, two groups; those who walk in the counsel of the wicked and those who do not. This, we know to be true. It is clearly on display all around us. Look at how the one group of people are described – “wicked, sinners, scoffers”, while the other group of people are called “blessed”. Also, look at the three verbs, or actions, that warrant concern – “walk, stand, and sit”. The progression here is also very significant as well. Some Christians might think that it is alright to only “walk” with a few wicked friends; that they are safe. But look at the slippery slope described here – ‘walk’ with the wicked, then ‘stand’ with sinners, and then ‘sit’ with scoffers; scoffers of God. You may feel safe walking, but then, after a while, you may feel safe in standing with them for a while; and then as your feet are tired (your spiritual strength is low) you may think, “I’ll sit for just a few minutes, and then I’ll move along. Temptation is like that – “It’s only a short walk”, then, “no harm if I stand here for a while,” and then, “Everyone else is sitting. I see no harm in sitting with them, as long as I don’t scoff at God with my lips.”

This is why the apostle Paul warned Timothy to flee, to run away from the lusts of his youth. When temptation comes along, don’t walk with it at all, or you might find that you need to stand for a while to rest; and then after standing for a while, your feet get tired, so you decide to sit for a while. The wicked, the sinners, the scoffers are only happy to accommodate you. Flee temptation! Run with all of your might. Run as if your life depended upon it – for your spiritual life just might. Run, and don’t look back as Lot’s wife did. Run towards Christ, and away from temptation and sin! Amen.