Are You Growing or Backsliding?
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.
(Psalm 1:1-3)
There are 2 types of people in this world: the righteous and the wicked.
The righteous man has God’s favor upon him. He does not take the broad and easy road that leads to destruction (Matt 7:13). Notice the progression of the ungodly – walk, stand, and then sit.
Those who are blessed by God are those who depart from evil, and find pleasure in Him. They will prosper in what they do. The other group are the wicked, sinners, and scoffers, who will perish in eternal judgment.
The righteous are like a tree that drinks in the water of God’s Word. They will produce the fruit of the Spirit, do good works, influence others for Christ. Their character will be fresh and enduring like leaves. They will produce good results (v 3).
This is because they delight in studying God’s Word and doing what God commands. They meditate on His Word to consider how to apply it to their lives.
The wicked are like chaff that gets carried away by the winds of the world’s philosophies. They may look good on the outside. But one day, they will perish under God’s judgment.
Thought: You are either growing in the Lord or backsliding. You are either on the path to eternal life or on the path to hell. There is no middle path. Which path are you walking in?
(MT)