I don’t know about you, but I need to ponder this one a bit more than others. Perhaps I am a bit distracted. I have just had grandchildren visiting, and now the stillness invades my soul once again yet my mind races back to the gleeful giggles and attention getting tugs on my hand to play. In the stillness, I am hearing bird chirping, children playing on the playground in the distance. The sunshine is calling my name. God’s beauty to behold.
Back to my reflections on this psalm. I’m struggling with this – how can we make disciples if we are to avoid liars, hypocrites, evil doers and the wicked? Aren’t they exactly our target audience, those who truly need a savior? Perhaps the difference here is in semantics and what it means to be “with them” as opposed to being “one of them”. Jesus himself spent tie with sinners and that caused many to question him and his motives. I think the fear for many is in the association, that we might somehow get in trouble, be judged unjustly, or even become like them. If we avoid them, we avoid all the risk.
The vain culture we live in tends to be so judgmental, and that can lead to fear. On the other hand, we live in a time of tolerance, and things which would have raised eyebrows in the past no longer do, and those that continue to stand by their convictions are oftentimes ridiculed or bullied. I personally fear weakness and succumbing to the evil or sin. I need to remember God’s promise of deliverance from temptations too great. It becomes our attitude then and our focus. This focus needs to always be on Jesus. His strength is sufficient. But we can’t let fear keep us from opportunities to further the kingdom, so long as that is our true motivation. We must be ready to publicly take a stand for Jesus, even if it is not popular. We must be bold and confident, in Jesus we have our strength.
So, how do you look for opportunities to witness? Make a bold move today and share something about Jesus without someone you don’t know.
Let’s pray. Father, thank you for your provisions to rescue us when temptations are great. Help me to see where you want me to stand for you today (and everyday). In Jesus’ name. Amen.
