Contemplative Bible Reading

Psalm 1:1-2 (New International Version)

¹ Blessed is the man
who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked
or stand in the way of sinners
or sit in the seat of mockers.

² But his delight is in the law of the LORD,
and on his law he meditates day and night.

People influence one another. If I spend enough time with a bunch of grouchy people, I grouch more. If I spend enough time with happy people, I am happier.

Who are my counselors, the wicked or the righteous? Who teaches me? Who advises me?

And where do I sit? In the section of the bleachers where we complain about everything and belittle everyone? Is this what comes from my mouth – complaints and belittlement?

As a Christian, I spend time with sinners. Hey that is us, sinners. I spend time with sinners in the church. We spend time with the wicked to influence them for Christ. I must ask myself, who is the counselor? Me or the wicked? I spend time with the mockers to attempt to quench their mocking.

In spite of all this time with these people, I am a witness for Christ. I am walking with them, standing with them, sitting with them, but I am not one of them. I am one of them in the sense that we are all sinners and need the blood of Christ. I am not one of them in that my delight is in the Lord and not in their practices.

God, help me to delight in you and meditate on what you teach day and night.