Psalm 1:1 presents a very clear picture of the downward slope of sin, where one walks with the wicked, stands with the sinners and finally sits with mockers: Walking - standing - sitting.
You can almost see someone walking along perhaps Bourbon Street in New Orleans at night, stopping out front of an "exotic dancing" establishment and then going inside to take a seat.
Sin so often starts with no commitment, just going along with the crowd, checking things out. It progresses with no more than a pause to consider taking a closer look. And then, before you know it, you've drawn up a chair and are right in the middle of it.
No wonder Paul uses the analogy of "falling into the devil's trap" (1 Tim 3:7). It is so easy to do when we take our eyes off Jesus, when we stop seeking out good, when we just allow ourselves to go with the flow. The flow, after all, always goes downhill.
Contrary to the one who goes with the flow is the one in Psalm 1:2-3, who delights in God's word and meditates on it. This person is like a tree planted by streams of water that produces fruit in season, has leaves that do not wither and is blessed by The Lord.
Focused on the world or focused on the Word - that choice determines whether we are going with the flow or going with God. That choice will set us on a downward slope or an upward journey. The choice is yours. What are you choosing?
Jus' Askn.
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