Worthy of the Gospel

“He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake.”
Psalm 23:3 (ESV)

One of the most difficult things to do as a Christian is learning how to ‘let go and let God’. The most faithful of God’s Kingdom have seemingly had that particular issue to deal with. You and I are no different, but if we are to know the success of living the life that God has for us we must do so on a daily basis. And if we do not, if you do not, His Blessed Assurance will never find a place in your lifestyle. The desire of The Shepherd is restore your soul, lead your steps in righteousness, and this not for you, but for His honor. That is, we must remove our desires from the equation. When this becomes the purpose for our living, those fears, sense of security, etc. will never again be the issue…He will be the Issue…Because He is the Issue.

“He restores my soul….for his name's sake.”

Each of us knows that life is not easy and the simple reason for that is simple enough. How do you respond to stressful issues? Do you sit down and eat a bag of chips, a large bowl of ice cream or do you kick the dog? Or do you sit down and have a chat with the Lord? Why do we not do the most obvious first? Is it because we feel that our solution is the best one? Probably…..

But notice what David has written for us…..He (God) restores my soul… and by the way, the Hebrew word for ‘soul’ can also be translated as ‘life’. With that in mind, it is your present life that you are concerned about…and tomorrow, as well, but let us think about right NOW, because He is thinking about your circumstance RIGHT NOW, too.

But, why are you doing this? So that you will feel better are you doing this for others? Remember that everyone around you knows when you are angry, sad, or glad. Do this for them, too. And the first person to think about is the Lord….for the advertisement of who His name in our world. Think about that. Paul had a firm understanding as to why he served the Lord, and he says it this way, “I do it all for the sake of the gospel, that I may share with them in its blessings.” 1 Corinthians 9:23 (ESV). Do you have a better idea? Neither does God….

“He leads me in paths of righteousness….for his name's sake.”

Every day there are many, many paths that we may choose to travel….the point to be made here is not necessarily which path we are going to choose, but why do we choose this path? This is called situational ethics. This ethic in a nutshell is s’Situational ethics is a consequential theory that is concerned with the outcome of an action as opposed to an action being wrong. In the case of situational ethics, the ends justify the means.” And let me assure you; allow God’s word to assure you, that the ends do not justify the means.

“Love never ends. As for prophecies, they will pass away; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will pass away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part, but when the perfect comes, the partial will pass away.” 1 Corinthians 13:8-10 (ESV)

The love of God found in Jesus Christ is found in every path of righteousness, and this is the basis for every path that He will always guide you in. And every one will lead you to the Cross. Because it is in the Cross of Christ that Christian faith finds its source.

“You were running well. Who hindered you from obeying the truth? This persuasion is not from him who calls you. A little leaven leavens the whole lump. I have confidence in the Lord that you will take no other view than mine, and the one who is troubling you will bear the penalty, whoever he is. But if I, brothers, still preach circumcision, why am I still being persecuted? In that case the offense of the cross has been removed. I wish those who unsettle you would emasculate themselves!” Galatians 5:7-12 (ESV)

As you are seeking the direction of God in your life….do so for his gain, not yours….”Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ…” Philippians 1:27 (ESV)