Pleasing God, Making Disciples of Jesus Christ

Spiritual Stability

PSALM 1:1-3 – 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.

THEME OF THE DAY. SPIRITUAL STABILITY. In looking around at our dying culture, our immoral society, our godless nation, and the little impact Christians and the church of Jesus Christ are having in all, there are more than a few reasons for the marginal impact we are having. I am sure we each have our list and hopefully, we are praying for the only two things that will save our nation and awaken Christ’s church; for the Spirit of God to shake us out of our apathy and worldliness and for the Spirit of God to send revival that takes this awakening in us and flows outward from us into our godless culture, society, and nation for the salvation of many.

But there is another reason why we are having little impact in our families, neighborhoods and communities. Now what I am about to share is not a harsh judgment or coming from a critical spirit. And maybe this “shoe” doesn’t fit you, but I think, in some measure, all of us have “owned this” at some point in our Christian walks. It is what I have observed while serving in the United States Navy and in over fifteen years of pastoral ministry. Sadly, it is also something I have witnessed up close in parents with their children and in marriages. This “it” is professing Christians living an inconsistent walk with the Lord. One day they are “spiritually high” and praising the Lord. Maybe a good sermon, song, or book just lifted them to “spiritual cloud nine”. But then, some trial or difficulty comes along. It could be a change in schedule, a financial setback, a challenging child, an insensitive spouse, or just something “unexpected” comes into life and complaining, instead of glad submission to the sovereignty of God unfolds. Instead of being Jesus manifesting the Fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23), the opposite occurs – an impulsive action or word putting forth ugly sinful self and the fruit of the flesh (Galatians 5:19-21). The result? Confusion. Those watching and hearing us scratch their heads, hearing what we profess as Christians but seeing the opposite. We may call this spiritual instability. And there are not a few young people that have rejected Christ because they watched this instability in their homes by their parents. But there is hope . . . we don’t have to remain unstable Christians. In today’s scripture we are given the keys to a stable Christian walk.

The man in Psalm 1 is a stable, consistent, and fruitful believer. The imagery to describe him is that of a stable tree. One easily pictures a flourishing, fruitful tree with deep roots allowing it to withstand the strongest of storms. Notice another thing about this man illustrated by a tree. There is no loss of vitality – its leaf does not wither – which is a picture of stability. And how does one get to this joyful place of a consistent testimony before watching eyes? Three things – keep the right company; take great pleasure in God’s Word; and ponder long and deep the Word by meditation. These are the keys to a stable life – surround oneselves with Godly people; love the Word by being in the Word; and then be transformed by meditation, not just reading. If we follow this recipe, “God’s recipe” for being a stable and consistent Christian, then we just might see the Lord use us to be a true witness of Him in a dying culture, immoral society, and godless nation.

PRAYER: “Father, I praise You for providing all I need to live a life of spiritual fruitfulness and stability.”

QUOTE: “Spiritual fruitfulness and stability are found only in God’s Word known and meditated upon.”