From the time I was very young, I always wanted to emulate my mother. She was kind, loving, and giving. People around her knew…and I knew…she was the real deal and the same every day. As I grew older, I realized she simply wanted a heart after Jesus—to pursue and emulate the loving character of the Lord. Truly, that should be the heart of every believer.
In our passage today, David makes a similar commitment. As a leader and with the Lord’s help, he wants to live in integrity, justice, and righteousness. If he is going to be successful, he knows it means he must surround himself with people who also desire to “live a blameless life.” How will he seek to accomplish this lifestyle of worship—of the King’s rule? He tells us he must avoid living separated from the standards God has set for his covenant people.
If David is going to live a blameless life, he will need to guard his eyes, avoid dishonesty, run from evil, stay away from people who slander others, reject pride, and refuse to associate with deceivers and liars. I was thinking about how important all of these areas are if we truly desire to emulate the Lord’s nature and character. To live a blameless life is to be a worshiper of the Lord.
Would you ever find Jesus: watching pornography or filthy movies, taking advantage of others, speaking in a way that dishonors the reputation of another person, or trying to manipulate anyone? I will answer for you—NO. Christ lives in you and those actions are not under the King’s rule. That is the rule of the flesh. So, if we are allowing the Spirit to transform us into the image of Christ, none of these things should have dominion in our lives. To avoid falling prey to the temptations of Satan, we must desire God more than anything else.
Psalm 101 A psalm of David.
1
I will sing of your love and justice, Lord.
I will praise you with songs.
2
I will be careful to live a blameless life—
when will you come to help me?
I will lead a life of integrity
in my own home.
3
I will refuse to look at
anything vile and vulgar.
I hate all who deal crookedly;
I will have nothing to do with them.
4
I will reject perverse ideas
and stay away from every evil.
5
I will not tolerate people who slander their neighbors.
I will not endure conceit and pride.
6
I will search for faithful people
to be my companions.
Only those who are above reproach
will be allowed to serve me.
7
I will not allow deceivers to serve in my house,
and liars will not stay in my presence.
8
My daily task will be to ferret out the wicked
and free the city of the Lord from their grip.
Prayer: Lord, there is absolutely no way we can live a lifestyle of worship without your supernatural help. From our passage today, we know some of the things we should avoid if we are pursuing a blameless life as your son or daughter. We take time to praise you for the grace that guides us into your holy character. As well, we thank you for the forgiveness you offer in our failures. Holy Spirit, please continue your work of producing godliness in us. In Jesus’ name. Amen.