It’s clear to putting God first is job #1 if we want to be in a right relationship with Him.
As I read today in the One-Year Bible, I saw an ultra-clear checklist for how to do just that. It is found in Psalm 101:1-8. Please print out this list on the computer or in handwritten form so that you can frequently assess if you are seeking God’s Kingdom first.
And please add to the tangible indicators that I’ve included for each. None of these are complicated. They do, however, require genuine commitment to doing the right thing.
__ I will sing of your love and justice; to you, O LORD, I will sing praise.
Sing along with Christian radio songs. It’s good for the soul and God smiles.
__ I will be careful to lead a blameless life.
Protecting a Christian testimony is no accident, but the fruit of good decisions.
__ I will walk in my house with blameless heart.
Your family needs a good role model. And an empowered intercessor.
__ I will set before my eyes no vile thing.
Keep your TV and computer monitors free of images that soil your faith.
__ The deeds of faithless men I hate; they (such people) will not cling to me.
Reject the requests of God-mockers to hang out with them on their turf/terms.
__ Men of perverse heart shall be far from me; I will have nothing to do with evil.
When you’re invited to join a hurtful scheme, reject the offer and explain why.
__ Whoever slanders his neighbor in secret, him will I put to silence;
When another gossips to you, tell them you don’t want to hear it.
__ Whoever has haughty eyes and a proud heart, him will I not endure.
Don’t enter into close fellowship with people gripped by pride.
__ My eyes will be on the faithful in the land, that they may dwell with me;
Look for good role models and seek to spend time with them.
__ He whose walk is blameless will minister to me.
Make sure that those influencing your faith are growing in faith themselves.
__ No one who practices deceit will dwell in my house;
Habitual liars or schemers should not find welcome in our homes.
__ No one who speaks falsely will stand in my presence.
Don’t condone lying by remaining in fellowship with those in rebellion toward truth.
__ Every morning I will put to silence all the wicked in the land;
Don’t listen to sin-saturated TV or radio shows.
__ I will cut off every evildoer from the city of the LORD.
Make sure to confront someone spreading divisive poison or false teaching in your church.
The more that you and I live according to the list above, the more obvious and fruitful will be our faith.
And the broader the smile that we’ll put on God’s face.
That is a very good thing.
As always, I love you
Martin
