Watch your step

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!

Psalms 1:1

Not too long ago, my wife and I stayed at a place that had a pool. It looked beautiful, and it was a hot day, so why not a swim? As most people do, I tested the water by stepping in with one foot. Brrr! I quickly got out. Then, being me, I went to the edge of the pool and dived in. I reasoned it was much like ripping off a band-aid. Just get it over with! Once in, my body quickly adapted, and it didn't seem cold at all. In fact, I really liked it!

There are many places in life we hesitate to go, whether because of our survival instinct, upbringing, or values. Some places may look off-putting but are really good for us… like the gym. But there are other places, environments, habits, and even people we should avoid.

God loves us very much. He has given us so many things to help us in life. Such as His thoughts and guidance here in the book of Psalms. This warning clearly shows 3 steps that can lead us away from where we should be.

1) Someone once told me that there is a big difference between a bird flying by my head and me inviting him to make a nest in it. I might "happen" to walk by a bad environment, that's okay… keep walking, don't keep going back there again and again. Don't "walk (make it a lifestyle) in the counsel of the wicked".

2) If a thought enters your mind that you know isn't helpful, don't dwell on it. If you find yourself in a situation you know you shouldn't be, don't hang around…LEAVE! Don't "stand in the path of sinners."

And 3) definitely don't sit down and get comfortable! Don't start reasoning that "it's not that bad" or "what will it hurt to try?" We all have an incredible ability to justify our actions and thoughts to suit our own wants, no matter how egotistical or hurtful to others they may be. Don't "sit in the seat of scoffers." Scoffers, in this text, are people who would mock what is right and just and good. They know in their hearts that they aren't living a life that would honor God… and they will do anything and say anything to bring others down to their own level. Do you really want to be like them?

The thing is, it's so important to think about how we live our lives. How we "walk," as the Bible puts it. In the book of Jeremiah, the Lord says, "I am offering you a choice. You can choose the way that leads to life. Or you can choose the way that leads to death."

God loves us so incredibly more than we can ever comprehend. He wants our best. He wants to show us a way that will lead to good things in our life. The kind of life that He's had in mind for us all along. Next time, we'll talk about that.

Think about good things and have a fantastic day!