Ps 1:6 THE DIFFERENCE THAT COUNTS

THE DIFFERENCE THAT COUNTS

“For the Lord knoweth the way of the righteous; but the way of the ungodly shall perish.” Ps 1:6

Is there a difference? Is it really “either-or?” Is there not a gray area? It is easy enough to identify the way of the grossly ungodly; the first verse of this Psalm does that. These are people whose lives are not governed by the Word of God, whose advice is wrong, whose language is foul, and whose idea of “fun” is to do that which is sinful. But what about those who do not have faith in the Savior, but who seem to do the right thing, whose language is clean and who are diligent and hard working. Are they ungodly?

Anyone who has not come to know Jesus as his Savior from sin is ungodly in the eyes of the Lord. Our Savior makes that clear when He tells us: “I am the Way, the Truth and the Life,” and again, He that honoreth not the Son, honoreth not the Father.” Those who do not honor God’s Son cannot honor God. O yes, a pious life is a wonderful thing and earns many blessings in this life, but it has no promise of everlasting life in heaven. There is a life and death difference between the child of God and the unbeliever.

Is that difference apparent in our lives? The Lord not only knows the righteous and the ungodly, but also the way in which they live. Our religion is more than talking about it and it is more than going to church. It is a way of life. What we say and what we do is a reflection of our faith. It is a sad commentary on our personal faith, however, if the way we live is no different than the world about us. If our language is as foul as that of the world, it means there is something wrong inside, “for out of the heart the mouth speaketh.” If we join the world in its immoral behavior, if we take part in its drunkenness and sexual immorality and defiance of authority, what sort of statement we are making about our faith? St. James reminds us that “the friendship of the world is enmity with God.”

One of the greatest dangers facing the believer is conformity to the thinking and behavior of the world, a danger from which not one of us is exempt. It is so hard to be different, but unless we are, there will be no difference. It is to fortify us in our struggle that the Psalmist reminds us of the help of the Lord, “The Lord knoweth the way of the righteous.” Our Lord knows our way and He recognizes our weaknesses. He does not cast us out, but promises us repentant sinners forgiveness through His Son. With forgiveness He gives us every other spiritual blessing: peace, contentment, and the hope of everlasting life. Is this not the greatest difference of all?