Psalm 119:6-16
PRAY: Heavenly Father, you have called me to not only live a life of faith, but also one of holiness that reflects your character. I am so often aware of how short I fall from your standard. As I read your Word cause it to purify my life, heart and mind from the ways of this fallen planet, and help me to embrace the powerful truths of your glorious Kingdom.
Holiness begins in our hearts and minds. This passage (Ps. 119) makes that correlation quite clear. Paul taught in Romans that “if our minds are ruled by the Spirit, we will have life and peace” (Rom. 8:6). The psalmist here draws upon several terms of cognition including: “thinking,” “study,” “learning,” and “remember.” Practicing these disciplines will result in the Word of God producing holiness, fullness, and wholeness in our lives. We will do the right things (respect, obey, worship) and we will reap the rewards (happiness, pleasure).
The cultivation and preservation of holiness, then, in the life of the leader is connected to disciplines of the mind and heart. Right thinking begets righteous living. This is, of course, not to say that we can earn our salvation. Yet, Paul does call upon us to “work with fear and trembling to discover what it really means to be saved” Phil. 2:12.
How, then, can we enrich our thinking about the meditation upon Scripture?
Thinking About the Word of God – We need to read the Word of God and think about what these words mean and imply. This Psalm begins with “Thinking about your commands…” (v. 6). As we do so with the Scripture, our lives and our world will change.
Respecting the Word of God – This is also essential in order for the Word of God to have its rightful place in our lives and churches. “I will do right and praise you by learning to respect your perfect laws” (v. 7).
Obeying the Word of God; (the “Perfect Laws”) all of them – We are called to “Obey God’s message! Don’t fool yourselves by just listening to it” James 1:22. “I will obey all of them” (Ps. 119:8a).
Treasuring the Word of God – When we as Christ-followers think and consider what the Word of God does for us, we will not just read it – we will treasure it. “I treasure your word above all else” (v. 11a).
Sharing the Word of God – Getting the Word of God into the lives, communities and nations around us requires action; it is news that must be told and a message that must be shared. As we do, people will become free and “you will be free” John 8:36. “With my own mouth I tell others…” (v. 13a).
Delighting (Taking Pleasure) in the Word of God – God’s Word is not only verses to be read, it contains moments of pleasure and delight to be savored.
Studying the Word of God –Studying involves reading, thinking, respecting, and considering the Word of God with intentionality and focus. “I will study your teachings and follow your footsteps…” (v. 15)
The Word of God is not only right and true; or something to simply be obeyed. It is also truly beautiful; something to be admired and adored. In fact, regular reading and reflection on Scripture is the most effective catalyst in growing in Christ-likeness in people’s lives.
SCRIPTURE ENGAGEMENT NURTURES GODLINESS & HOLINESS IN A LEADER’S LIFE.