Ancient Words For Today - 53
The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the LORD upholdeth him with his hand. He is ever merciful, and lendeth; and his seed is blessed. Depart from evil, and do good; and dwell for evermore. For the LORD loveth judgment, and forsaketh not his saints; they are preserved for ever: but the seed of the wicked shall be cut off. The righteous shall inherit the land, and dwell therein for ever. The mouth of the righteous speaketh wisdom, and his tongue talketh of judgment. The law of his God is in his heart; none of his steps shall slide. Wait on the LORD, and keep his way, and he shall exalt thee to inherit the land: when the wicked are cut off, thou shalt see it. (from Psalms 37:23-32)
It is the Lord who establishes and directs the steps of a "Good Man". But who is a "good man" in the eyes of the Lord? Consider what Jesus said about this:
And, behold, one came and said unto him, Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life? And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments. Matthew 19:16-17
King David proclaimed: The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. They are corrupt, they have done abominable works, there is none that doeth good. The LORD looked down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if there were any that did understand, and seek God. They are all gone aside, they are all together become filthy: there is none that doeth good, no, not one. Have all the workers of iniquity no knowledge? who eat up my people as they eat bread, and call not upon the LORD. Psalm 14:1-3
Apostle Paul, referring to David's psalm, elaborated: Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God. Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin. But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference: For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus. Romans 3:19-24
From these passages it is clear that God distinguishes between "good" people (those who have trusted in God and by faith in Christ have been set apart and accounted as righteous by God) as contrasted with the "wicked" (those who have said in their heart there is no God, who have not called upon Him, and are corrupt and do abominable works). The Lord God has redeemed His people, whom He calls saints, and set their feet upon a rock. That Rock is Christ, our Savior! AMEN!!
I waited patiently for the LORD; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry. He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings. Psalm 40:1
When we believe on Jesus Christ, the foundation and cornerstone (head) of the church, God is delighted. As a new creation of God, we honor Him as we follow His leading, and from our heart desire to keep His commandments (which God has written in our hearts). His commandments boil down to just two: that we love God with all of our hearts and love one another as He loves us. When we keep His commandments, God is well pleased and we bring glory to His name.
Is your life pleasing God today? If not, why not talk to God about it now. He will help you to make any necessary changes so that your life will become a sweet-smelling fragrance and a delight to Him. May God richly bless you as you live for Him!