(Psalms 18:20-24) The LORD dealt with me according to my
righteousness; according to the cleanness of my hands he rewarded me. For I
have kept the ways of the LORD, and have not wickedly departed from my God. For
all his rules were before me, and his statutes I did not put away from me. I
was blameless before him, and I kept myself from my guilt. So the LORD has
rewarded me according to my righteousness, according to the cleanness of my
hands in his sight.
(Titus 2:11-12) For the grace of God has appeared, bringing
salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly
passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present
age,
David was a man who committed many sins throughout his life.
There were times when he was unfaithful to the Lord and times when he did not
rely upon the Lord's strength and wisdom when faced with certain difficulties.
There were times when David acted foolishly. Yet he says that he kept the ways
of the Lord and did not wickedly depart from God, and God refers to David as a
Man after His own heart. David sinned but he was not characterized by sin; he
did not follow sinful patterns of behavior throughout his life; he did not
constantly repeat his sins. David learned by his sins.
God has saved us from our sins, not so we can just continue
sinning and rest in the fact that all of our sins are forgiven. No more than
God's purpose for saving the Israelites from Egyptian oppression was to have
them eternally march around mount Horeb with the confidence that they would
have manna to eat everyday. God's purpose in each trip around Mount Horeb was
for the Israelites to turn away from their sins and His purpose for us is that
we would turn away from our sinful patterns of behavior.
Concentrate today on renouncing ungodliness and not
continuously repeating the same sins. Concentrate today on living a Godly life.
Questions For Discussion
What is the difference between being blameless before God and
being perfect?
How do you think God characterizes a person?
What does repeatedly committing the same sin say about your
perspective on that sin?
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