Do’s and Don’ts

“Do not fret because of those who are evil or be envious of those who do wrong;

for like the grass they will soon wither, like green plants they will soon die away.

Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture.

Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.

Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will do this.”

Psalm 37: 1-5

 

 

 

 

A complaint often voiced against Christianity is that it is a religion of “do’s and don’ts”

Putting aside the whole discussion of ‘religion’ for today and taking the advice of Jesus in Matthew 5:25 that says: “Agree with thine adversary quickly…” let me give you some wonderful do’s and don’ts.

DO

Do trust in the Lord

Do good

Do take delight in the Lord

Do commit your way to the Lord

Don’t

Don’t fret because of those who are evil

Don’t be envious of those who do wrong

 

If by chance you are keeping count then you will note that just in these five verses the “do’s” outnumber the “don’ts” 2 to 1!

I don’t often give you ‘homework’ but today I will.

Psalm 37 is a wonderful passage of scripture written by David.

He contrasts the wicked person with the righteous.

I would challenge you to read it today in its entirety (40 verses) and find all of the contrasting pictures that are offered.

It is a great ‘measuring stick’ Psalm for us and you may even find you fall far short on some of the “do’s”; as I do.

If that’ the case, you just created a prayer list for yourself as you come before the Lord.

But keep in mind these closing words form that same Psalm:

 

“The salvation of the righteous comes from the Lord;

    he is their stronghold in time of trouble.

 The Lord helps them and delivers them;

   he delivers them from the wicked and saves them,

    because they take refuge in him.”