Bold as a Lion: Living a Righteous Life
Conscience is that thing that feels bad when everything else feels good. The guilt condemns you. Paul addresses law and conscience in his letter to the Romans, see especially chapters 1 & 2. The Law- the truth - God is hard wired into our brain, God made us that way. But some of us keep running, and try to numb it all out when our conscience tells on us. Alcohol, cutting, denial, hiding in a cave (just a few of my personal choices). We just can't seem to get away from it no matter what we try.
There is a correlation between wickedness and fear on the one hand, and righteousness and courage on the other hand. And the gospel is a message about how wicked people can get right with God through Jesus Christ so that they have a righteousness that makes them as bold as a lion. How do we get there? There is a law; a truth; a Word that must be followed. Living a life that is right before the Lord means living a life that is disciplined. In a world that is pushing law and truth out, where we are calling good evil, and evil good. There is a refusal among many to allow the Holy Spirit to convey Truth. John reveals in his gospel that Jesus came to convict the world of sin, righteousness, and judgement. How do we go against what cultural realities are in our Nation as a whole and seek to be a contrast through word and deed boldly that we would influence others towards Christ. This gives worth to the Gospel we are promoting and proclaiming through obedience by the Spirit, through Jesus, to God.
As I read Proverbs 28 a few disciplines were highlighted to me:
1. Seek the Lord, and be understanding. (v. 5) Understanding what? Judging what is right and wrong, having a conscience that is clear, a compass for morals and values.
Psalm 119:100 says, "I understand more than the ancients, because I keep your law." What is law? Law is truth -- The Word is law and truth.
John 17:17 says, "Set them apart (Sanctify) by Your truth. Your Word is truth."
2. Confessing and Forsaking Sin so there may be Mercy, and the joy of forgiveness. (v. 13)
Psalm 32:3-5 "When I kept silent, my bones grew old. Through my groaning all the day long. For day and night Your hand was heavy upon me; My vitality was turned into the drought of summer. Selah I acknowledged my sin to You, And my iniquity I have not hidden. I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord,” And You forgave the iniquity of my sin. Selah"
1 John 1:8-10 "8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us."
3. Hard work and Faithfulness leads to Blessings. (v. 19-20) It's easy to be lazy, and not cultivate a life and pattern of faithfulness. To complain at work, and get down and out about finances. But don't give up, keep showing up in the places God has put you. His blessings far outweigh what the world could ever pay.
4. Trust the Lord and Prosper - Walk in the Light. (v. 25) The righteous ones are the ones who trust in the Lord—the ones who have faith and bank their hope on the mercy and power and wisdom of God. These are the ones against whom the Lord does not impute iniquity and whose sins are forgiven. They are righteous not with a righteousness of their own, but with the imputed righteousness of God. Fear God only -- the one who has ALL power! Yirah a person who fears the Lord is one who sees His hand in everything. Don't look to man to lead you right or save you. Remember that sweet old hymn, "I dare not trust the sweetest frame, but wholly lean on Jesus name! On Christ the solid rock I stand."
5. Walk wisely into deliverance and freedom. (v. 26) God will tell you where to walk, what's more, He will lead and guide you Himself, walking along with you.
Proverbs 3:5-6 "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. IN all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your path." How do we walk in wisdom? Read Proverbs 1:1-7
The proverbs of Solomon the son of David, king of Israel:
2 To know wisdom and instruction,
To [a]perceive the words of understanding,
3 To receive the instruction of wisdom,
Justice, judgment, and equity;
4 To give prudence to the simple,
To the young man knowledge and discretion—
5 A wise man will hear and increase learning,
And a man of understanding will [b]attain wise counsel,
6 To understand a proverb and an enigma,
The words of the wise and their riddles.
7 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge,
But fools despise wisdom and instruction.
My urge to you reading this. Seek the Lord while He may be found, do not harden your heart anymore and keep going toward darkness. Confess to God your shortcomings. DO the hard work of applying these disciplines. Trust God to save you, and walk in light. Stand firm on these truths. Choosing to live a life that is righteous is far superior to the death and destruction this life can bring. I had my own big repenting to do recently, and I'm finally getting back on track and to where I should be. Receive forgiveness, and keep going. Let's be Lions!
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